bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intravenous topiramate: Comparison of pharmacokinetics and safety with the oral formulation in healthy volunteers
Authors: Clark Anne M. , Kriel Robert L. , Leppik Ilo E. , Marino Susan E. , Mishra Usha , Brundage Richard C. , Cloyd James C. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryPurposeAlthough oral topiramate (TPM) products are widely prescribed for migraines and epilepsy, injectable TPM is not available for human use. We have developed a solubilized TPM formulation using a cyclodextrin matrix, Captisol with the long‐term goal of evaluating its safety and efficacy in neonatal seizures. This study in healthy adult volunteers was performed as required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to demonstrate the pharmacokinetics and safety prior to initiation of studies involving children. This study allowed investigation of absolute bioavailability, absolute clearance, and distribution volume of TPM, information that could not be obtained without using an intravenous TPM formulation.MethodsThis study was an open‐label, two‐way crossover of oral and intravenous TPM in 12 healthy adult volunteers. Initially two subjects received 50 mg, intravenously and orally. Following evidence of safety in the first two subjects, 10 individuals received 100 mg doses of intravenous and oral TPM randomly sequenced 2 weeks apart. Blood samples were taken just prior to drug administration and at intervals up to 120 h afterwards. TPM was measured using a validated liquid chromatography—mass spectrometry method. Concentration‐time data were analyzed using a noncompartmental approach with WinNonlin 5.2.Key FindingsAll subjects completed the study. The mean (±standard deviation) absolute oral bioavailability was 109% (±10.8%). For intravenous and oral TPM the mean distribution volumes were 1.06 L/kg (±0.29) and 0.94 L/kg (±0.24). Clearances were 1.33 L/h (±0.26) and 1.22 L/h (±0.26). The half‐life values were 42.3 h (±6.2) and 41.2 h (±7.5). No changes in heart rate, blood pressure, electrocardiography, or infusion site reactions were observed. Mild central nervous system cognitive adverse events and ataxia occurred between dosing and 2 h post dose with both intravenous and oral administration. With intravenous TPM, these adverse effects occurred as early as during the 15‐min intravenous infusion.SignificanceIn healthy adults, oral TPM is bioequivalent to intravenous TPM, and infusion of 50–100 mg over 15 min is safe. Neurologic effects occurred during the infusion, demonstrating that TPM rapidly diffuses into the brain, which supports its evaluation for neonatal seizures. Results from this pilot study will inform the design of subsequent studies in children and newborns, including controlled clinical trials intended to assess the efficacy and safety of intravenous TPM for neonatal seizures. In addition, our results provide support for the further development of intravenous TPM as bridge therapy for older children and adults in whom oral TPM therapy is interrupted.
Standardized Computer‐based Organized Reporting of EEG: SCORE
Authors: Beniczky Sándor , Aurlien Harald , Brøgger Jan C. , Fuglsang‐Frederiksen Anders , Martins‐da‐Silva António , Trinka Eugen , Visser Gerhard , Rubboli Guido , Hjalgrim Helle , Stefan Hermann , Rosén Ingmar , Zarubova Jana , Dobesberger Judith , Alving Jørgen , Andersen Kjeld V. , Fabricius Martin , Atkins Mary D. , Neufeld Miri , Plouin Perrine , Marusic Petr , Pressler Ronit , Mameniskiene Ruta , Hopfengärtner Rüdiger , van Emde Boas Walter , Wolf Peter 
Published: March 2013

SummaryThe electroencephalography (EEG) signal has a high complexity, and the process of extracting clinically relevant features is achieved by visual analysis of the recordings. The interobserver agreement in EEG interpretation is only moderate. This is partly due to the method of reporting the findings in free‐text format. The purpose of our endeavor was to create a computer‐based system for EEG assessment and reporting, where the physicians would construct the reports by choosing from predefined elements for each relevant EEG feature, as well as the clinical phenomena (for video‐EEG recordings). A working group of EEG experts took part in consensus workshops in Dianalund, Denmark, in 2010 and 2011. The faculty was approved by the Commission on European Affairs of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). The working group produced a consensus proposal that went through a pan‐European review process, organized by the European Chapter of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. The Standardised Computer‐based Organised Reporting of EEG (SCORE) software was constructed based on the terms and features of the consensus statement and it was tested in the clinical practice. The main elements of SCORE are the following: personal data of the patient, referral data, recording conditions, modulators, background activity, drowsiness and sleep, interictal findings, “episodes” (clinical or subclinical events), physiologic patterns, patterns of uncertain significance, artifacts, polygraphic channels, and diagnostic significance. The following specific aspects of the neonatal EEGs are scored: alertness, temporal organization, and spatial organization. For each EEG finding, relevant features are scored using predefined terms. Definitions are provided for all EEG terms and features. SCORE can potentially improve the quality of EEG assessment and reporting; it will help incorporate the results of computer‐assisted analysis into the report, it will make possible the build‐up of a multinational database, and it will help in training young neurophysiologists.
Diagenesis versus hydrothermalism and fluid–rock interaction within the Tuscan Nappe of the Monte Amiata CO2‐rich geothermal area (Italy)
Authors: Gasparrini M. , Ruggieri G. , Brogi A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn southern Tuscany (central Italy), deep to shallow geothermal systems were active since the Pleistocene and comprise fluids carrying variable amounts of CO2. The Monte Amiata geothermal fields include two main reservoirs: a deep one located in the Palaeozoic metamorphic succession (1300–3000 m deep) belonging to the Tuscan metamorphic ‘basement’ and a shallow one hosted in the Mesozoic sedimentary succession (500–1000 m deep) belonging to the Tuscan Nappe. Multiple sets of calcite veins were investigated in some outcrops of the Tuscan Nappe succession exposed in the Monte Amiata area and surroundings. Two main fluid systems were characterized: the former related to combined diagenetic syn‐tectonic processes from highly saline fluids after interaction with the Late Triassic evaporites (Burano Fm) and the latter related to a fossil geothermal system, Pleistocene in age, fed by low‐salinity meteoric fluids, carrying CO2, radiogenic Sr and heavy O isotopes after interaction with the subsurface rocks. Comparison with the present‐day hydrothermal fluids allowed to sketch the thermal evolution of the system from past to present. Geochemical data proved that portions of the vein–host rocks were reset after interaction with CO2‐rich fluids circulating in the past. Consequently, textural and mineralogical changes are expected to have occurred with respect to the undisturbed rock masses. Understanding these modifications, their location and extension, is a prerequisite to construct (i) geochemical models addressed to the comprehension of the diagenesis induced in sediments after long‐term CO2 storage; and (ii) geological models applied to the prediction of rock heterogeneity distribution within the upper reservoirs, characterizing the shallow (500–1500 m) geothermal systems of southern Tuscany.
Carbonate concretions—explained
Authors: Marshall Jim D. , Pirrie Duncan 
Published: March 2013

Carbonate concretions are common features of sedimentary rocks of all geological ages. They are most obvious in sandstones and mudstones as ovoid bodies of rock that protrude from natural outcrops: clearly harder or better cemented than their host rocks. Many people are excited by finding fossils in the centre of mudstone‐hosted concretions (Fig. 1) but spend little time wondering why the fossils are so well preserved. While the study of concretions has benefitted from the use of advanced analytical equipment, simple observations in the field can also help to answer many questions. For example, in cliff sections, original sedimentary beds and sedimentary structures can be traced right through concretions (Fig. 2): so it can be deduced that the concretion clearly formed after these depositional structures were laid down. In this article we explain how and where concretions form and discuss the evidence, ranging from outcrop data to sophisticated laboratory analyses, which can be used to determine their origins. The roles of microbes, decaying carcasses, compaction and groundwaters are highlighted. Concretions not only preserve fossils but can also subdivide oil, gas and water reservoirs into separate compartments.An early diagenetic carbonate concretion split in half to reveal an ammonite retaining its original aragonite shell, from the Maastrichtian of Antarctica. Image courtesy of Alistair Crame (British Antarctic Survey, NERC). Lens cap is 6 cm.imageCalcite cemented concretion standing proud from the otherwise poorly cemented sandstones. Large spherical concretions commonly occur in sandstones, where the porosity and permeability are equal in all directions. Jurassic, Bencliffe Grit, Osmington Mills, Dorset. Vertical thickness is 80 cm.image
Free fatty acid as a marker of energy malnutrition in liver cirrhosis
Authors: Hanai Tatsunori , Shiraki Makoto , Nishimura Kayoko , Imai Kenji , Suetsugu Atsushi , Takai Koji , Shimizu Masahito , Naiki Takafumi , Moriwaki Hisataka 
Published: March 2013

AimProtein–energy malnutrition is frequently observed in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). Non‐protein respiratory quotient (npRQ) measured by indirect calorimetry is a good marker to estimate energy malnutrition, and predicts the prognosis of patients with LC. However, measurement of npRQ is limited because of the high cost of indirect calorimetry. Our aim was to find out an alternative marker to npRQ that can be used in the routine clinical setting.MethodsOne hundred and fifty‐six patients with LC were enrolled in this study. Indirect calorimetry and blood examinations were conducted after overnight fasting, and anthropometry was performed by an expert dietician. The correlation between npRQ and other parameters were calculated by simple and multiple regression analysis. Receiver–operator curve (ROC) analysis was used to identify the cut‐off value that would best predict the threshold npRQ of 0.85.ResultsPlasma levels of free fatty acid (FFA) was significantly correlated with npRQ value by simple (r = −0.39, P < 0.0001) and multiple regression analysis (t = −2.96, P = 0.0052). Free fatty acid rose in parallel with the increasing disease severity as defined by Child–Pugh classification (P < 0.05). FFA was also correlated with increasing oxidation rate of fat (r = 0.38, P < 0.0001) and decreasing oxidation rate of carbohydrate (r = −0.39, P < 0.0001). The cut‐off value of FFA to predict npRQ = 0.85 was 660 μEq/L by ROC analysis.ConclusionFFA is a useful alternative marker to represent npRQ in patients with LC.
The clinical significance of mesenchyme forkhead 1 (FoxC2) in gastric carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Jin‐Liang , Song Yong‐Xi , Wang Zhen‐Ning , Gao Peng , Wang Mei‐Xian , Dong Yu‐Lan , Xing Cheng‐Zhong , Xu Hui‐Mian 
Published: March 2013

AimsMesenchyme forkhead 1 (FoxC2) is an epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐inducing factor. Previous studies have demonstrated that FoxC2 binds directly to the promoter region of p120‐catenin (p120ctn). The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of FoxC2 expression and the inter‐relationship between FoxC2 and p120ctn, in gastric cancer.Methods and resultsImmunohistochemistry was used to examine the expression of FoxC2 and p120ctn proteins in 325 gastric cancer samples. Staining for FoxC2 in cancer tissues was markedly stronger than in normal tissues. High FoxC2 expression was associated significantly with differentiation, invasion depth, lymph node metastasis and tumour stage. Patients with high FoxC2 expression or low p120ctn expression had a poor prognosis. In the high p120ctn expression group, the prognosis for patients with low FoxC2 expression was better than for the high FoxC2 group. Moreover, stepwise Cox regression showed that p120ctn was an independent prognostic factor, but FoxC2 in combination with p120ctn was not correlated significantly with survival.ConclusionsWe found that FoxC2 and p120ctn play important roles in the progression and prognosis of gastric cancer. Moreover, FoxC2 and p120ctn should be evaluated further as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for gastric cancer treatment.
Potency under pressure: the impact of hydrostatic pressure on antigenic properties of influenza virus hemagglutinin
Authors: Eichelberger Schafer L. , Sultana Ishrat , Gao Jin , Getie‐Kebtie Melkamu , Alterman Michail , Eichelberger Maryna C. 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundInfluenza vaccines are effective in protecting against illness and death caused by this seasonal pathogen. The potency of influenza vaccines is measured by single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) assay that quantifies antigenic forms of hemagglutinin (HA). Hydrostatic pressure results in loss of binding of influenza virus to red blood cells, but it is not known whether this infers loss of potency.ObjectivesOur goal was to determine the impact of pressure on HA antigenic structure.MethodsViruses included in the 2010–2011 trivalent influenza vaccine were subjected to increasing number of cycles at 35 000 psi in a barocycler, and the impact of this treatment measured by determining hemagglutination units (HAU) and potency. Potency was assessed by SRID and immunogenicity in mice.ResultsAfter 25 cycles of pressure, the potency measured by SRID assay was below the limit of quantification for the H1N1 and B viruses used in our study, while the H3N2 component retained some potency that was lost after 50 pressure cycles. Pressure treatment also resulted in loss of HAU, but this did not strictly correlate with the potency value. Curiously, loss of potency was abrogated when influenza A, but not B, antigens were exposed to pressure in chicken egg allantoic fluid. Protection against pressure appeared to be mediated by specific interactions because addition of bovine serum albumin did not have the same effect.ConclusionsOur results show that pressure‐induced loss of potency is strain dependent and suggests that pressure treatment may be useful for identifying vaccine formulations that improve HA stability.
Les divers modes de prise en charge des orphelins et les moyens d'action des pouvoirs publics: le cas du Mozambique dans le contexte de la Communauté de développement de l’Afrique australe
Authors: Shibuya Tomoko , Taylor Viviene 
Published: March 2013

RésuméS’efforçant de placer la situation des orphelins du Mozambique dans son contexte régional, celui de l’Afrique australe, et s’inspirant d'études sur le terrain tant quantitatives que qualitatives, cet article examine les différents modes de prise en charge des orphelins et la politique de protection qui leur est applicable au Mozambique, en s’intéressant tout particulièrement aux enfants qui vivent dans des centres d'hébergement ou qui fréquentent les foyers d'accueil. Dans un souci de mieux faire comprendre ce que vivent ces enfants et de jeter un éclairage sur la protection sociale qui leur est fournie, cette analyse montre que les orphelins qui sont pris en charge de manière informelle par des familles d'accueil présentent davantage de risques d'être exploités, négligés ou maltraités que ceux qui vivent dans des structures d'accueil non gouvernementales. Cette étude souligne la nécessité de sélectionner avec plus d'attention les familles d'accueil dans lesquelles les enfants sont placés. Les recommandations portent notamment sur la nécessité de privilégier le renforcement des capacités et les réformes institutionnelles tendant à mettre en place des politiques de protection sociale pour les orphelins dans le cadre d'un socle général de protection sociale. Le suivi et l'évaluation des institutions qui prennent en charge les orphelins s’imposent comme une priorité.
Time‐varying analysis of aggregate electricity demand in Ghana: a rolling analysis
Authors: Adom Philip Kofi 
Published: March 2013

AbstractUsing the rolling regression technique, the study investigated how the effects of income, economic structure and industry efficiency on aggregate electricity demand vary with time. The Quandt–Andrews test was used to examine the presence or otherwise of structural breaks in the data set. The long‐run estimate of aggregate electricity demand based on fully modified ordinary least squares reveals that the variables carried their a priori expectations with the positive income effect playing the most significant role followed by industry efficiency with structural effect playing the least role. The result of the Quandt–Andrews test showed rejection of the null hypothesis of no structural breaks with the maximum statistic occurring in 1987, which is the most likely breakpoint location. The rolling regression result revealed evidence of constant shifting of poles of the estimated demand model. The plot of the evolution of demand elasticities showed variations over time with some evidence of strong linkages with periods of policy regime changes. Changing economic structure, improving energy efficiency and integrating electricity production, distribution and transmission into the overall macroeconomic planning will go a long way to stabilise the situation in the electricity market.
Price effect of domestic oil tax under vertically related market structure: evidence from the United States, EU and Japan
Authors: Sun Zesheng , Hong Junjie , Xu Xiangdong 
Published: March 2013

AbstractDomestic oil tax influences not only consumer price, but also oil company's bid–ask spread and international oil price via vertically related markets. In order to examine oil tax price effects, a random‐effect variable‐coefficient model is introduced and estimated based on data from 1970 to 2010. Results show that domestic oil taxes in major oil‐importing countries are shouldered by both international and domestic markets, with the latter including the oil companies and consumers in the importing country. However, the impacts of oil taxes on domestic consumer prices can be quite different, with relatively weak consequences in the United States, and significantly positive and strong influence in the European Union and Japan.
Oil revenue, institutions and macroeconomic indicators in Nigeria
Authors: Ushie Vanessa , Adeniyi Oluwatosin , Akongwale Sabastine 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe influx of massive revenues during periods of abnormally high oil prices creates enormous challenges for policy‐makers in oil‐producing countries. In Nigeria, the prudent utilisation of oil revenues has remained elusive for policy‐makers over time. While the country has earned sizeable oil revenues from its natural endowment, poverty and income inequality have been persistent. This study tests the sensitivity of several important macroeconomic indicators to oil revenue shocks. We additionally test for the effect of ‘institutional quality’, in recognition of the important role played by the domestic institutional context in shaping the policy responses adopted by successive Nigerian governments to oil windfalls over time. The sensitivity analysis supports the general view that fluctuations in oil revenues have resulted in inflation, lower output growth and real exchange rate appreciation in Nigeria. More importantly, the aforementioned institutional variable is found to be very significant. This finding is consistent with the general assessment of fiscal performance in Nigeria during oil windfalls as being driven by domestic institutional dynamics. Ostentatious public consumption widened fiscal deficits, and government spending has been highly pro‐cyclical during windfall episodes. In conclusion, the study offers appropriate policy recommendations, which could be adopted to enhance the management of future oil windfalls in Nigeria.
Properties ofCa–(Y)–Si–Al–O–N–FGlasses: Independent and Additive Effects of Fluorine and Nitrogen
Authors: García‐Bellés A. R. , Monzó M. , Barba A. , Clausell C. , Pomeroy M. J. , Hanifi A. R. , Hampshire S. 
Published: March 2013

Thirty glasses of composition (in equivalent percent) 20‐xCa:xY:50Si:30Al:(100‐y‐z)O:yN:zF, withx = 0, 10;y = 0, 10, 20, andz = 0, 1, 3, 5, 7 were prepared by melting and casting. All glasses were X‐ray amorphous. Glass molar volumes (MV) decreased with nitrogen substitution for oxygen for all fluorine contents and, correspondingly, glass fractional compactness increased. Fluorine substitution of oxygen had virtually no effect on molar volume or fractional glass compactness for the three nitrogen contents tested. Young's modulus and microhardness were virtually unaffected by fluorine substitution for oxygen while nitrogen substitution for oxygen caused increases in these two properties. Glass‐transition temperature and dilatometric‐softening point values all decreased with increasing fluorine substitution levels, while increasing nitrogen substitution caused values for these thermal properties to increase. Correspondingly, the thermal expansion coefficient increased with fluorine and decreased with nitrogen substitution levels. Using property value differences between glasses containing fluorine and the corresponding glass containing 0 eq.% F enabled 24 data points to be used to determine the effect of fluorine onTg,dilandTDS. The trends were linear with a gradient for both properties of the order of −22°C (eq.% F)−1. For the nitrogen effect, 20 data points were analyzed for trend effects. As expected from earlier work, all trends had good linearity. Gradients were forTg,dilandTDS+2.5°C (eq.% N)−1, which are fairly similar to previous results in oxynitride systems. All of the data collected and its analysis clearly shows that the substitution effects of fluorine for oxygen and nitrogen for oxygen are independent and additive with the fluorine substitution. The property trends of the glasses are discussed in terms of their implications for glass structure.
Organ donation: the role of gender in the attitude–behavior relationship
Authors: Mohs Anja , Hübner Gundula 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPositive attitudes toward organ donation often do not translate into behavior. The present study analyzes gender as a moderator of the attitude–behavior relationship. Due to helping behavior stereotypes, we expected women to show higher donation attitudes but a weaker attitude–behavior link than men. In Germany, 60 women and 61 men participated in a questionnaire survey. Indeed, women showed higher positive attitudes, empathy, and norms compared to men. While intention to card signing seemed unaffected by gender, the moderator effect was confirmed: The link between attitudes and intention to sign was stronger for men than women. In predicting behavior, the moderator effect showed a trend toward significance. The results provide a new understanding of the link between donation attitudes and behavior.