bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and Estimation of Club Convergence Models with Spatial Dependence
Authors: Bernadini Papalia Rosa , Bertarelli Silvia 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis article deals with heterogeneity and spatial dependence in economic growth analysis by developing a two‐stage strategy that identifies clubs by a mapping analysis and estimates a club convergence model with spatial dependence. Since estimation of this class of convergence models in the presence of regional heterogeneity poses both identification and collinearity problems, we develop an entropy‐based estimation procedure that simultaneously takes account of ill‐posed and ill‐conditioned inference problems. The two‐step strategy is applied to assess the existence of club convergence and to estimate a two‐club spatial convergence model across Italian regions over the period 1970 to 2000.
Don't Plan! The Use of the Notion of ‘Culture’ in Transforming Obsolete Industrial Space
Authors: Krivý Maroš 
Published: September 2012

AbstractHow is the notion of ‘culture’ understood and used in planning the transformation of obsolete industrial space? This article analyses the evidence from a current planning project in Suvilahti, Helsinki. It shows that ‘culture’ is imagined and employed as an instrument capable of producing difference in urban space. The transformation of the Cable Factory in Helsinki and the subsequent consensus on the importance of ‘culture’ are shown to have influenced the planning of Suvilahti. On the one hand, planning is being carried out with a deliberate minimization of planning interventions and the promotion of the spontaneous, non‐planned practices of cultural producers: the future Suvilahti is imagined as a ‘cultural enclave’ and its community is characterized as a ‘living organism’. On the other, ‘culture’ is planned in terms of its supposedly positive effects on urban space. Planners do not want to interfere with the non‐planned character of ‘cultural production’, yet at the same time they express certainty about cultural production's positive spatial and socioeconomic effects. The transformation of Suvilahti is playing an important part in the large‐scale planning project to redevelop the old industrial harbour in Kalasatama, Helsinki. The changes in the nature of planning are analysed under the concept of cultural governmentality.
Vasodilator and antihypertensive effects of a novel N‐acylhydrazone derivative mediated by the inhibition of L‐type Ca2+ channels
Authors: Pereira Sharlene Lopes , Kummerle Arthur Eugen , Fraga Carlos Alberto Manssour , Barreiro Eliezer Jesus , Sudo Roberto Takashi , Zapata‐Sudo Gisele 
Published: September 2012

AbstractNew bioactive N‐acylhydrazone derivatives synthesized from safrole previously have been found to promote intense vasodilation and antihypertensive activity. In this study, we describe the synthesis and the cardiovascular effects of the new N‐acylhydrazone derivative (E)‐N‐methyl‐N′‐(thiophen‐3‐ylmethylene)benzo[d][1,3]dioxole‐5‐carbohydrazide (LASSBio‐1289). Thoracic aorta and left papillary muscles from Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were prepared for isometric tension recording. LASSBio‐1289 promoted relaxation of endothelium‐intact and denuded aortic rings with respective pIC50 (−log IC50) values of 5.07 ± 0.09 and 4.26 ± 0.09 (P < 0.001) for WKY rats and 5.43 ± 0.05 and 5.58 ± 0.07 (P > 0.05) for SHR. The vasodilator activity of LASSBio‐1289 was increased in the KCl‐contracted aorta. LASSBio‐1289 attenuated the contracture elicited by Ca2+ in depolarized aorta from both WKY rats and SHR. In endothelium‐intact aorta from WKY rats, LASSBio‐1289‐induced relaxation was unchanged after incubation with propranolol, ZM 241385, atropine, diphenhydramine, and HOE140, but was significantly reduced by L‐NAME and ODQ. LASSBio‐1289 decreased papillary muscles contractility only at concentrations above 200 μm. Acute intravenous injection of LASSBio‐1289 (3 mg/kg) produced a significant hypotensive response in SHR but not in WKY rats, suggesting its antihypertensive profile. The antihypertensive effect was also observed in SHR during 14 days of intraperitoneal and oral administration. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that LASSBio‐1289 induces both endothelium‐independent vasorelaxation involving the inhibition of Ca2+ influx through L‐type Ca2+ channels in aorta from WKY rats and SHR, and endothelium‐dependent relaxation mediated by the NO/cyclic GMP pathway in WKY rats.
Preoperative anaemia is common in patients undergoing major gynaecological surgery and is associated with a fivefold increased risk of transfusion
Authors: Browning Roger M. , Trentino Kevin , Nathan Elizabeth A. , Hashemi Navid ,   The Western Australian Patient Blood Management Program
Published: September 2012

AimsTo ascertain the incidence of preoperative anaemia in a cohort of patients undergoing major gynaecological surgery in a tertiary Australian hospital over a two‐year period and to investigate whether it is associated with an increased rate of transfusion or complications.MethodsUsing the Western Australian Patient Blood Management (PBM) Data System, we obtained data for 843 women undergoing major gynaecological surgery over a two‐year period at King Edward Memorial Hospital, Subiaco, Western Australia. We used regression analysis to investigate the relationship between preoperative anaemia, red cell transfusion, length of hospital stay and complications.ResultsPreoperative anaemia was present in 18.1% of women and was associated with a significantly increased risk of receiving a red cell transfusion (OR = 5.74, P < 0.001). After adjusting for confounders, preoperative anaemia was not independently associated with increased complications or hospital length of stay, but receiving a red cell transfusion was (P < 0.001).ConclusionThis study demonstrates preoperative anaemia is common in women undergoing elective major gynaecological surgery and is associated with increased red cell transfusions. A system to detect and treat anaemia prior to surgery in these patients should be implemented, and interventions should be evaluated to ensure they are effective.
An international pilot study of an internet‐based platform to facilitate clinical research in epilepsy: The EpiNet project
Authors: Bergin Peter , Sadleir Lynette , Legros Benjamin , Mogal Zarine , Tripathi Manjari , Dang Nitika , Beretta Simone , Zanchi Clara , Burneo Jorge , Borkowski Thomas , Cho Yang Je , Ossemann Michel , Striano Pasquale , Srivastava Kavita , Tan Hui Jan , Wanigasinghe Jithangi , D’Souza Wendyl ,   for the EpiNet study group
Published: September 2012

SummaryPurpose:  We created an epilepsy patient database that can be accessed via the Internet by neurologists from anywhere in the world. The database was designed to enroll and follow large cohorts of patients with specific epilepsy syndromes, and to facilitate recruitment of patients for investigator‐initiated clinical trials.Methods:  The EpiNet database records physician‐derived information regarding seizure type and frequency, epilepsy syndrome, etiology, drug history, and investigations. It can be accessed from any country by approved investigators via a secure, password‐protected Website. All data are encrypted. The database is for both research and clinical purposes. Investigators were invited to register any patient with epilepsy, but were particularly encouraged to register patients when uncertain of the optimal management. Participation required approval from investigators’ ethics committees and institutional review boards, and all patients or their caregiver provided written informed consent. Patients were not enrolled in clinical trials in this pilot study.Key Findings:  The international pilot study recruited patients from September 2010 to November 2011. Sixty‐four investigators or research assistants from 25 centers in 13 countries registered 1,050 patients. Patients with a wide range of epilepsy syndromes and etiologies were registered. Patients’ ages ranged from 2 weeks to 90 years.Significance:  The Website was successfully used by doctors working in different health systems. The pilot study confirmed that this low‐cost, collaborative approach to research has great potential. Large, multicenter cohort studies will commence in 2012, and randomized clinical trials are being planned. All epileptologists are invited to join this project.
Geographic variation of epilepsy for older Americans: How close to the geographic variation of stroke?
Authors: Pisu Maria , Kratt Polly , Faught Edward , Martin Roy C. , Kim Yongin , Clements Kay , Knowlton Robert , Funkhouser Ellen , Richman Joshua S. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryPurpose:  Given the strong association of stroke and epilepsy in older persons, and the existence of a Stroke Belt in the United States, we hypothesized that geographic variation in epilepsy prevalence would follow geographic patterns similar to stroke.Methods:  We used a 2005 5% random sample of Medicare beneficiaries 65 and older in 48 U.S. contiguous states. Epilepsy was identified from claims for physician visits, hospitalizations, and outpatient procedures. Prevalence was obtained by state and county. Logistic regressions determined the independent association of the likelihood of epilepsy (prevalent or new case) and residence in Stroke Belt states, controlling for residence in highest epilepsy prevalence states, demographics (race, age, gender), comorbid conditions, cerebrovascular disease, dementia, and county characteristics.Key Findings:  Of 1,212,015 beneficiaries, 11.9 per 1,000 had prevalent and 2.9 new cases of epilepsy. Nine of 11 Stroke Belt states were among the 20 states with the highest epilepsy prevalence. Counties in the 10 highest epilepsy prevalence states were more likely to be large urban counties with a higher number of neurologists or neurosurgeons per capita. The higher likelihood of prevalent epilepsy cases associated with Stroke Belt residence was explained by beneficiaries’ race; that associated with residence in high epilepsy prevalence states was not. The likelihood of new epilepsy cases was negatively associated with Stroke Belt residence when controlling for covariates.Significance:  The geographic variation in epilepsy prevalence is not explained by variations in known risk factors. Further research should investigate why eastern U.S. states have higher frequency of epilepsy.
Vagus nerve stimulation elevates seizure threshold in the kindling model
Authors: Alexander Georgia M. , McNamara James O. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryPurpose:  Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) provides partial relief of medically refractory partial seizures in a subset of patients. The optimal pattern of stimulation and the mechanism of the antiseizure effects are uncertain. Establishing the efficacy of VNS in an animal model of epilepsy would provide an experimental preparation with which to address these questions. We sought to determine whether VNS exerted antiseizure effects in the kindling model of epilepsy.Methods:  We implanted adult rats with bipolar stimulating electrodes in the right amygdala and VNS devices around the left vagus nerve. Following induction of kindling, electrographic seizure threshold (EST) was determined by quantifying the amygdala electrode current required to evoke a seizure. Once stable ESTs were established, VNS devices were programmed to deliver U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved, clinically used (standard) or an experimental (microburst) pattern of stimulation of variable intensity. VNS devices were programmed identically in control animals except that no current was delivered. EST was examined at 60 min and 1 week in the control and vagus nerve stimulated groups.Key Findings:  Significant reductions of EST values were detected in control animals when tested both 60 min and 1 week following device programming. Both clinically used and experimental patterns of VNS prevented the reduction of EST evident in control animals when tested either 60 min or 1 week after device programming.Significance:  These findings establish an experimental preparation with which to elucidate the antiseizure mechanisms of VNS and to determine patterns of VNS most effective at elevating seizure threshold.
Body Fat Distribution and Risk Factors for Fibrosis in Patients with Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Naveau Sylvie , Dobrin Anca‐Stela , Balian Axel , Njiké‐Nakseu Micheline , Nohra Pascal , Asnacios Amani , Prévot Sophie , Perlemuter Gabriel 
Published: September 2012

BackgroundOnly a small proportion of alcoholic patients develop advanced liver disease, suggesting that factors other than alcohol intake may influence alcoholic liver disease (ALD) progression. We have shown that body mass index (BMI) is an independent risk factor for fibrosis in alcohol‐induced liver disease and that adipose tissue inflammation is correlated with liver lesions in alcoholic patients. The aim of this study was to determine whether visceral adipose tissue, as assessed by abdominal height measurement, affected individual susceptibility to fibrosis in alcoholic patients.MethodsWe included 127 consecutive alcoholic patients with abnormal liver test findings for whom liver histology data were available. Abdominal height was measured with a Holtain‐Kahn abdominal caliper. We carried out univariate comparisons followed by multivariate regression analysis, to investigate the relationship between abdominal height and fibrosis score.ResultsAbdominal height (p < 0.005), waist circumference (p < 0.05), fasting blood glucose concentration (p < 0.05), serum triglyceride concentration (p < 0.05), serum bilirubin (p < 0.005), and BMI (p = 0.05) were higher, whereas high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level (p < 0.01) was lower in the 72 patients with significant (F2–F4) fibrosis than in the 55 patients with F0–F1 fibrosis. In multivariate regression analysis, only abdominal height (β = 7.2, p < 0.002) was independently and positively correlated with fibrosis score, which was also negatively correlated with HDL cholesterol level (β = −1.04, p < 0.05).ConclusionsWe provide the first demonstration that abdominal height may be a predictor of significant fibrosis in patients with ALD. Our findings support a role for visceral fat accumulation, independent of BMI and of metabolic syndrome criteria, in the onset of alcoholic liver damage.
Acute Effect of Ethanol on Hepatic Reticular G6Pase and Ca2+ Pool
Authors: Jacobs‐Harper Amy , Crumbly Ashlee , Romani Andrea 
Published: September 2012

BackgroundHydrolysis of glucose 6‐phosphate (G6P) via glucose 6‐phosphatase (G6Pase) enlarges the reticular Ca2+ pool of the hepatocyte. Exposure of liver cells to ethanol (EtOH) impairs reticular Ca2+ homeostasis. The present study investigated the effect of acute EtOH administration on G6P‐supported Ca2+ accumulation in liver cells.MethodsTotal microsomes were isolated from rat livers acutely perfused with varying doses of EtOH (0.01, 0.1, or 1% v/v) for 8 minutes. Calcium uptake was assessed by 45Ca redistribution. Inorganic phosphate (Pi) formation was measured as an indicator of G6Pase hydrolytic activity.ResultsG6P‐supported Ca2+ uptake decreased in a manner directly proportional to the dose of EtOH infused in the liver, whereas Ca2+ uptake via SERCA pumps was decreased by ~25% only at the highest dose of alcohol administered. The reduced accumulation of Ca2+ within the microsomes resulted in a smaller inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3)‐induced Ca2+ release. Kinetic assessment of IP3 and passive Ca2+ release indicated a faster mobilization in microsomes from EtOH‐treated livers, suggesting alcohol‐induced alteration of Ca2+ releasing mechanisms. Pretreatment of livers with chloromethiazole (CMZ) or dithiothreitol (DTT), but not 4‐methyl‐pyrazole prevented the inhibitory effect of EtOH on G6Pase activity and Ca2+ homeostasis.ConclusionsLiver G6Pase activity and IP3‐mediated Ca2+ release are rapidly inhibited following acute (8 minutes) exposure to EtOH, thus compromising the ability of the endoplasmic reticulum to dynamically modulate Ca2+ homeostasis in the hepatocyte. The protective effect of CMZ and DTT suggests that the inhibitory effect of EtOH is mediated through its metabolism via reticular cyP4502E1 and consequent free radicals formation.
A Biomechanical Comparison of Three Hybrid Linear‐Circular External Fixator Constructs
Authors: Hudson Caleb C , Lewis Daniel D , Cross Alan R , Dunbar Nicholas J , Horodyski MaryBeth , Banks Scott A , Pozzi Antonio 
Published: September 2012

ObjectiveTo evaluate the stiffness, displacement, ring deformation and bone model motion of 3 configuations of linear‐circular hybrid fixator constructs loaded in axial compression, craniocaudal and mediolateral bending, and torsion.Study DesignBiomechanical evaluation.Sample PopulationThree hybrid construct configurations with 8 replicates/configuration.MethodsConstructIa used a single, 84 mm, incomplete ring and 2 tensioned olive wires to stabilize 1 bone segment and a primary hybrid rod with 3 fixation pins to stabilize the other bone segment. ConstructsIadandIb were similar toIa with the addition of a secondary diagonal hybrid rod. ConstructIb had a fixation pin inserted orthogonally from the diagonal rod. Constructs were loaded for 10 cycles in each mode of loading using a materials testing machine. Ring deformation was assessed by obtaining serial ring measurements. Bone model motion at the fracture gap as a result of loading was also calculated.ResultsAxial compression: constructsIadandIb were significantly stiffer than constructIa. Craniocaudal bending: ConstructIb was significantly stiffer than construct Ia. Mediolateral bending: there were no significant differences between constructs. Torsion: Construct Ib was significantly stiffer than constructsIa andIad. Permanent ring deformation did not occur. Bone model translational motion decreased in constructsIadandIb compared to constructIa.ConclusionsAddition of a secondary hybrid rod as well as biplanar fixation pin placement improved construct stiffness in several loading modes.
Use and Performance of Premounted Stents Compared to Nonpremounted Stents in Pediatric and Adult Congenital Cardiac Catheterization
Authors: MEADOWS JEFFERY , TEITEL DAVID , MOORE PHILLIP 
Published: September 2012

ObjectivesWe sought to characterize the use, efficacy, and performance characteristics of premounted stents relative to nonpremounted stents when used during congenital cardiac catheterization.BackgroundEndovascular stent implantation is an effective means of relieving vascular obstruction in patients with congenital heart disease. However, stent implantation is technically challenging and important complications occur. Premounted stents appear to offer many advantages relative to their nonpremounted counterparts, and it has been suggested that the use of premounted stents is associated with fewer complications. However, translation of these potential benefits into procedural or clinical success has been poorly examined and the data are conflicting.MethodsAll stent placements performed between January 1, 1999 and December 31, 2009 were reviewed. Analysis of technical success, hemodynamic success and complications was performed.Results416 stents were placed over the 10 year period. 158 (38%) were premounted. There was no apparent trend in the frequency of use of premounted stents over the study period. Implanted premounted stents were smaller in diameter than nonpremounted stents 4.9 mm +/− 1.8 versus 13.9 mm +/− 3.7, and the site of stent placement differed significantly. Unadjusted and adjusted analysis of technical success with respect to the precision of stent placement, hemodynamic success, and complications showed no difference between premounted and non‐premounted stents.ConclusionsWe found no difference between premounted and nonpremounted stents with respect to procedural and hemodynamic success or complications. Nevertheless, there remain practical advantages to the use of premounted stents that may justify their expanding role in congenital cardiac catheterization. (J Interven Cardiol 2013;26:58–61)
Hydrothermal Synthesis and Magnetic Properties of Bismuth Ferrites Nanocrystals with Various Morphology
Authors: Wu Lei , Dong Chunhui , Chen Hang , Yao Jinli , Jiang Changjun , Xue Desheng 
Published: September 2012

The effects of processing parameters on phase formation of hydrothermally synthesized bismuth ferrites were investigated. Bi25FeO40, BiFeO3, and Bi2Fe4O9 with different morphologies and grain size were synthesized by dissolving bismuth nitrate and iron nitrate in KOH solution at reaction time ranging from 3 to 20 h. The subcrystallized part of BiFeO3 obtained with reaction time of 4 and 5 h displayed strong saturation magnetization of ~2.914 emu/g. The results of the electron spin resonance (ESR) indicated each unpaired spin providing a net magnetic moment which eventually led to the enhancement of the saturated magnetization. Furthermore, Zero‐field‐cooled (ZFC) and field‐cooled (FC) magnetization curves exhibited spin‐glass freezing behavior in all the samples. And the low‐temperature magnetic hysteresis loop displayed the ferromagnetism of BiFeO3 with different structures and the phenomenon of exchange bias, respectively.
Occupational dermatitis in hairdressers: do they claim workers' compensation?
Authors: Lyons Georgina , Keegel Tessa , Palmer Amanda , Nixon Rosemary 
Published: September 2012

Background. Hairdressers are one of the largest occupational groups attending our Occupational Dermatology Clinic. However, few seek workers' compensation for their occupational dermatitis.Objectives. To retrospectively analyse and compare workers' compensation claims data and diagnosed disease data for occupational contact dermatitis in hairdressers from 1993 to 2009, for the state of Victoria, Australia.Patients/materials/methods. Data from the Occupational Dermatology Clinic database, the Compensation Research Database and the Australian Bureau of Statistics were used in this study.Results. The clinic database identified 157 hairdressers and apprentices with a confirmed diagnosis of occupational contact dermatitis assessed between 1993 and 2009. Forty‐six unique claims for occupational contact dermatitis from 46 individuals were identified from the Compensation Research Database over the same time period. Hairdressers in the 15–24‐year age group were significantly over‐represented in the claims data relative to the diagnosed disease data (p < 0.01). The median cost per claim was AU$1421, and the median time off work per claim was 20 days.Conclusion. Increased efforts are needed to reduce the incidence of occupational contact dermatitis in hairdressers in Australia, and to ensure that hairdressers with occupational contact dermatitis are aware of their compensation entitlements. Reliance on workers' compensation data for disease surveillance may lead occupational health and safety regulators to underestimate the magnitude of the problem of occupational contact dermatitis in the hairdressing profession.