bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cultural Economy: Achievements, Divergences, Future Prospects
Authors: GIBSON CHRIS 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis paper reflects on two decades' scholarship in geography on cultural economy, assessing strides made against some of the expectations of early proponents. Cultural economy continues to be a polysemic term. In some quarters, it refers to a type of economic geography into which matters of ‘culture’ are absorbed. This work frequently focuses on the empirics of the so‐called ‘cultural and creative industries’. Others see cultural economic research as an opportunity to move beyond the epistemological constraints of ‘culture’ and ‘economy’, questioning their status as foundational categories. This latter approach has been used in a broader set of empirical projects encompassing technology, knowledge, and society. Contrasting threads of cultural economic research have helpfully moved geographical scholarship beyond paradigmatic limitations, but jostle somewhat uncomfortably within existing (and increasingly specialised) disciplinary and subdisciplinary fields. The risk is that by questioning the categorical underpinnings of much specialised research, cultural economy struggles to ‘belong’ in the increasingly coded and compartmentalised university setting. I conclude with a discussion of future prospects. Some measure of vitality could be achieved through incorporation of a cultural economy perspective into the pressing issues of climate change, human sustenance, and urban infrastructure planning. These are issues for which the polysemy of cultural economy could prove constructive, transcending technocentric market ‘fixes’ and bland assumptions about how best to ‘green’ our cities – promoting instead ethnographic interrogations of how humans access, use, exchange, and value financial and material resources as moral and social beings.
Physical activity improves age‐related decline in the osteogenic potential of rats' bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Hell R. C. R. , Ocarino N. M. , Boeloni J. N. , Silva J. F. , Goes A. M. , Santos R. L. , Serakides R. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAim:To examine whether physical activity increases osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) from adult rats compared with young rats.Methods:Eighteen female Wistar rats were divided into three groups and the following cells isolated: (1) differentiated BMMSCs from young donors, (2) differentiated BMMSCs from sedentary adult donors and (3) differentiated BMMSCs from active adult donors. We analysed MTT conversion, percentage of cells per field, mineralized nodule number and gene expression for telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), alkaline phosphatase, caspase 3, osteocalcin, bone sialoprotein and collagen I.Results:Telomerase reverse transcriptase expression and the percentage of cells per field in BMMSCs cultures from adult rats were smaller than those observed in young donors. However, levels of caspase 3 expression were higher in BMMSCs from adult donors (P < 0.05). Despite the fact that physical activity was associated with an increase in expression of caspase 3 (P < 0.05), there was no difference in the percentage of cells per field between groups of adult BMMSCs (active or sedentary). However, physical activity increased the number of mineralized nodules and osteocalcin expression after 21 days, and alkaline phosphatase expression at 7, 14 and 21 days in the BMMSCs of adult donors (P < 0.05). However, those values were smaller when compared with young donors BMMSCs (P < 0.05). Only the expression levels of alkaline phosphatase were similar to young donors BMMSCs (P ≥ 0.05).Conclusion:Physical activity increases osteogenic differentiation of BMMSCs from adult donors but does not increase the differentiation to the levels observed in BMMSCs from young donor rats.
Complications of the 2009 influenza A/H1N1 pandemic in pregnant women in The Netherlands: a national cohort study
Authors: Bogers Hein , Boer Kees , Duvekot Johannes J. 
Published: December 2011

Please cite this paper as: Bogers et al. (2012) Complications of the 2009 influenza A/H1N1 pandemic in pregnant women in The Netherlands: a national cohort study. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(5), 309–312.The 2009 influenza A/H1N1 pandemic caused an increase in complications in pregnant women. To be well prepared for a next pandemic, we investigated the obstetric and maternal complications of this pandemic. In our national cohort of 59 pregnant women who were admitted to the hospital, no major complications apart from preterm birth and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit were observed. Although the small size of this study precludes us drawing any definitive conclusions, comparing our results with those in other countries suggests that the influenza A/H1N1 pandemic had a relatively benign course in pregnant women in The Netherlands.
Diálogo social y gobernanza de la seguridad social: una perspectiva actual de la OIT
Authors: Ghellab Youcef , Varela Nancy , Woodall John 
Published: December 2011

ResumenEntre todos los temas que se tratan en el mundo del trabajo, quizás ninguno refleje los principios del tripartidismo y el diálogo social mejor que el de la seguridad social. Por eso es natural preguntarse hasta qué punto han sido eficaces estos instrumentos fundamentales de la buena gobernanza y si se han estado utilizando para afrontar los importantes retos que actualmente están enfrentando los sistemas sociales en muchos países. El proceso de reforma de la seguridad social, especialmente el de la prestación de pensiones, ha ocupado un lugar destacado en el temario de muchos países en los últimos decenios, reflejando la incidencia que han tenido factores como la globalización y el envejecimiento demográfico. Recientemente, han surgido nuevas tensiones como resultado de la crisis financiera y económica mundial. La Oficina Internacional del Trabajo (OIT) ha tratado de analizar y comprender estas cuestiones, mientras que el Departamento de Diálogo Social y el de Seguridad Social de la OIT han emprendido conjuntamente estudios tanto antes como después de la crisis económica. Las evidencias revelan resultados dispares. En una serie de países con sólidas tradiciones de diálogo social eficaz se ha reiterado su valía. Sin embargo, en otros países, sometidos con frecuencia a las presiones de graves tensiones económicas y demandas urgentes de las instituciones financieras internacionales (IFI) y otros organismos, los gobiernos han actuado, lamentablemente, de forma unilateral, algunas veces con bastante poca atención de las responsabilidades constitucionales. Los autores llegan a la conclusión de que existe tanto la necesidad como la posibilidad de renovar el enfoque a fin de asegurar un grado apropiado de voluntad y compromiso políticos en el proceso del diálogo social tripartito para tratar cuestiones políticas frecuentemente complejas y delicadas en el ámbito de la seguridad social.
La actitud de los empleadores hacia el cumplimiento con el seguro social en Shanghai (China)
Authors: Nyland Chris , Thomson S. Bruce , Zhu Cherrie J. 
Published: December 2011

ResumenLograr que los empleadores cumplan con sus obligaciones hacia el seguro social es una tarea de gobernanza particularmente difícil para las economías emergentes con marcos reglamentarios frágiles. A partir de las observaciones cualitativas de ocho estudios de caso realizados en Shanghai (China), este artículo explica en detalle cómo los empleadores responden a los intentos del Estado de imponer el cumplimiento de las normas del seguro social. Las percepciones de los empleadores y sus respuestas a las políticas establecidas y a las estructuras reglamentarias dieron lugar a cinco temas: la construcción de una política efectiva, la igualdad de oportunidades, el control de costos, la reputación de la empresa y la contratación y retención de recursos humanos. Además, tres características empresariales afectarían la actitud de cumplimiento: los factores de riesgo, la composición de la mano de obra en función de sus cualificaciones y el tipo de propiedad. Anticipábamos que el tamaño de la empresa afectaría su cumplimiento con las obligaciones del seguro social, pero no se observó ningún modelo claro en ese sentido.
Identity, Issues, and Religious Commitment and Participation: Explaining Turnout among Mosque‐AttendingMuslimAmericans
Authors: Choi Jangsup , Gasim Gamal , Patterson Dennis 
Published: December 2011

AbstractWhile work on the political behaviour of religious groups inAmerica has shown that, among other things, religious commitment and strong opinions on salient issues can encourage turnout and raise the probability of these groups' members voting in national elections, much less is known about these relationships with respect toMuslimAmericans. Using data collected at mosques in 2006 during the holy month ofRamadan, this article maps the turnout patterns ofMuslimAmerican respondents and then investigates the factors that explain the political participation of members of this increasingly important religious group. The article focuses on reported turnout in the 2004 presidential election and shows that, more than anything else, strong opinions on salient issues boosted the participation rates of members of this religious group in the election, even when controlling for other factors known to help explain turnout.
Indian Policy and Legislation: Aboriginal Identity Survival inCanada
Authors: Manzano‐Munguía Maria C. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis article examines the socio‐historical construction ofIndian policy and legislation as the processes set out to making the ‘Indian’ population legible to its rulers during the pre‐ and post‐confederation periods inUpperCanada. I aim to demonstrate howIndian policy and legislation materialised into concrete actions that attempted to assimilate, civilise, and protect the ‘Indians’ by deploying different instruments of control or governmentalities, such as the residential school and reserve system. Nonetheless, resistance and political positioning ofIndigenous people is present, and post‐confederationIndian policymaking inCanada is a much more negotiated process.
Ethnic Politics, Political Elite, and Regime Change in Nigeria
Authors: Kifordu Henry Ani 
Published: December 2011

AbstractSince the 1960s, intermittent social conflicts in Nigeria appear mostly linked to ethnic groups’ differences. Considering the importance of regime change in social and political stability, this article critically analyses the historic and dynamic role of the core political executive elite in the political system's stability. The article argues that ethnic politics persist in Nigeria based on the nature of interactions between political institutions, institution‐builders, and society. It asserts a contradictory link between deep‐rooted elite interests and popular preferences in ways that undermine orientations towards democracy. The empirical focus is on the composite nature of the core political executive elite analysed through their ethnic and educational backgrounds. It is observed that, although ethnic shocks are variously motivated, the atypical shape and inequity in power and role distribution at the highest levels of executive office‐holding stand out as a salient source and target of antagonism by ethnic groups. This finding has a paradoxical implication: deep‐seated economic and political interests of the elite play a diversionary role from the real causes of ethnic conflicts in Nigeria.
Cross‐species transferability of SSR loci developed from transciptome sequencing in lodgepole pine
Authors: LESSER MARK R. , PARCHMAN THOMAS L. , BUERKLE C. ALEX 
Published: December 2011

AbstractWith the advent of next generation sequencing technologies, transcriptome level sequence collections are arising as prominent resources for the discovery of gene‐based molecular markers. In a previous study more than 15 000 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences resulting from 454 pyrosequencing of Pinus contorta cDNA were identified. From these we developed PCR primers for approximately 4000 candidate SSRs. Here, we tested 184 of these SSRs for successful amplification across P. contorta and eight other pine species and examined patterns of polymorphism and allelic variability for a subset of these SSRs. Cross‐species transferability was high, with high percentages of loci producing PCR products in all species tested. In addition, 50% of the loci we screened across panels of individuals from three of these species were polymorphic and allelically diverse. We examined levels of diversity in a subset of these SSRs by collecting genotypic data across several populations of Pinus ponderosa in northern Wyoming. Our results indicate the utility of mining pyrosequenced EST collections for gene‐based SSRs and provide a source of molecular markers that should bolster evolutionary genetic investigations across the genus Pinus.
Increased levels of DUSP6 phosphatase stimulate tumourigenesis in a molecularly distinct melanoma subtype
Authors: Li Weiling , Song Liang , Ritchie Ann‐Marie , Melton David W. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryThe mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is important in melanoma. In this pathway, DUSP6 phosphatase negatively controls the activation of extracellular signal‐regulated (ERK) kinase. Through comparison of melanoma signalling pathways between immortal mouse melanocytes and their tumourigenic derivatives, retrieved from mouse xenografts, we identified a molecularly distinct subtype of melanoma, characterized by reduced ERK activity and increased DUSP6 expression. Overexpression of DUSP6 enhanced anchorage‐independent growth and invasive ability of immortal mouse melanocytes, suggesting that increased DUSP6 expression contributes to melanoma formation in the mouse xenografts. In contrast, reduced tumourigenicity was observed after DUSP6 overexpression in human melanoma cells. A minority of thick human primary melanomas had high DUSP6 expression and the same poor melanoma‐specific survival as the majority of thick primaries with low DUSP6 levels. We have demonstrated that DUSP6 is important in melanoma and that it plays a different role in our distinct subtype of mouse melanoma compared with that in classic human melanoma.
Usefulness of dynamic gonioscopy during systematic survey of glaucoma patient in a university hospital
Authors: ROUSSEAU A , POGORZALEK N , KASWIN G , GENDRON G , M'GARRECH M , LABETOULLE M 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose A narrow iridocorneal angle (ICA) is a risk factor for glaucoma progression. However, many patients treated for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) have never been assessed with dynamic gonioscopy. In this study, we performed dynamic gonioscopy in patients referred for progressing POAG and suspicion of glaucoma (GS) to evaluate the rate of misdiagnosed narrow ICA.Methods We retrospectively analysed the clinical data of consecutive glaucoma or GS patients referred for evaluation from November 2009 to October 2010. All patients had been previously diagnosed with open ICA. Patients were examined by a single ophthalmologist. The evaluation included detailed medical history, comprehensive ophthalmologic examination, diurnal hourly monitoring of the intraocular pressure, static automated perimetry, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness analysis, central pachymetry and dynamic gonioscopy (Possner® lens).Results 135 patients were included. The mean age was 53.6 years (+/‐ 6.2 years). Prior to our evaluation, glaucoma and GS patients had been followed 5.2 years (+/‐ 3.4 years) with an average of 4.2 visits and 2.2 visual fields. 58 patients (43%) had never undergone gonioscopy. A narrow angle was diagnosed in 18 patients (13.3%), including 5 patients with plateau‐iris configuration confirmed by ultrasonic biomicroscopy (27.7% of narrow angles).Conclusion A narrow ICA is not a rare finding among patients diagnosed with POAG or GS patients. Dynamic gonioscopy should be performed systematically for all glaucoma and glaucoma suspect patients, especially in cases of glaucoma progression despite an efficient and well conducted treatment. Lens size evolution with time requires repeated evaluations.
Effect of cataract in Fourier‐Domain OCT measurements using two Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: GARCIA MARTIN E , SANCHO MORO E , HERRERO LATORRE R , GIL‐ARRIBAS L , IDOIPE M , FERNANDEZ‐PEREZ S , PINILLA I , PRIETO CALVO E , DE LA MATA G 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose To evaluate the effect of cataract in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measurements using Fourier‐domain (FD) Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). To test the intra‐session reproducibility of RNFL thickness measurements and the quality of images in patients before and after the cataract surgery using Cirrus and Spectralis OCT.Methods Thirty eyes of 30 subjects (15 men and 15 women; aged from 67 to 86 years) underwent three 360° circular scans centred on the optic disc by the same experienced examiner using the Cirrus and Spectralis OCT instruments one month before and one month after cataract surgery. Differences between the two visits were analyzed. Repeatability was studied by intra‐class correlation coefficients and coefficients of variation (COV) for both visits and OCTs. The quality of images was also compared between the visits.Results RNFL differences were detected between both visits for temporal and nasal quadrant (p<0.05). RNFL average thickness was 95.4 µm in pre‐surgery visit and 96.1 µm in post‐surgery visit with Cirrus OCT; and 99.0 µm vs 102.4 µm using Spectralis OCT. Reproducibility was good in both visits, but it achieved higher values in post‐surgery evaluation (mean COV of 5.61% in first visit vs 4.44% in second visit using Cirrus, and 5.76% vs 4.12% using Spectralis). Intra‐class correlation coefficients were higher than 0.818. The quality of images was better in post‐surgery evaluations.Conclusion Cataract affects RNFL thickness measurements, reproducibility and the quality of images obtained by Cirrus and Spectralis OCT.
Assessment of the efficacy of Cationorm® in patients with moderate dry eye compared with Optive® and Emustil® eye drops
Authors: ARAGONA P , SPINELLA R , RANIA L , POSTORINO E , ROSZKOWSKA A , VERSURA P , PROFAZIO V , ROLANDO M 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose Dry eye disease (DED), the result of an insufficient tear film, is manifest by symptoms of ocular discomfort and ocular surface damage. An ideal DED therapy would regenerate each deficient tear film layer. Cationorm®, a preservative‐free cationic emulsion, augments the aqueous‐mucous and lipid layers of the tear film and reduces evaporation. The efficacy of Cationorm® was evaluated.Methods Adults with moderate DED defined by at least 1 symptom >3 cm on a visual analog scale (VAS) and total corneal fluorescein score ≥3 and tear film break up time (BUT) <7 seconds were enrolled in a 3 month, controlled, randomized, single‐masked study. Randomization to qid treatment with Cationorm® (Novagali), Optive® (Allergan) or Emustil® (SIFI) followed a washout period. Efficacy assessments were evaluated at 1 and 3 months.Results Of 71 patients, 8 (44%) Emustil treated patients discontinued prior to month 3. At month 1, the VAS score in Optive® and Cationorm® patients revealed a statistically significant improvement evident by month 3 for all treatments. Improvements in BUT and reduced fluorescein staining at month 3 were statistically significant for Cationorm® and Optive® but not Emustil®. While Cationorm® and Optive® significantly reduced tear film osmolarity only Cationorm® showed a statistically significant difference compared to Emustil®.Conclusion In moderate DED patients, Cationorm® was more effective than Emustil®. Although not statistically different, overall improvements were greater in patients treated with Cationorm® than Optive®.
Time resolved autofluorescence ‐ a new diagnostic tool in ophthalmology
Authors: SCHWEITZER D 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose The metabolic state can be characterized by endogenous fluorophores. Excitation‐ and emission spectra as well as the decay of fluorescence intensity after pulse excitation characterize endogenous fluorophores and can be used for determination of fluorophores.Methods Based on measurements on pure fluorophores and on isolated anatomical structures of porcine eyes, a laser scanner ophthalmoscope was developed for detection of time‐resolved auto‐fluorescence in two spectral ranges (490‐560 nm and 560 – 700 nm). The 3‐exponential fit approximates optimally the decay of fluorescence intensity.Results Sections in OCT and in lifetime images show good correspondences between retinal pigment epithelium and the component with the shortest decay (1=60‐80 ps) and between the neuronal retina and the component with the mean decay time (2=450‐500ps). The component with the longest decay time (3= 2.5‐3 ns) is determined by the fluorescence of the crystalline lens and of connective tissue. In early AMD, arterial branch occlusion, and in diabetes, when no signs are visible for diabetic retinopathy, most significant alterations are detectable for 2 in the spectral range 490‐560 nm. Comparing histograms of 2 for healthy subjects and well controlled diabetic patients, a lack of a fluorophore with decay time of 380 ps is present in diabetes. Free NADH has such a lifetime. Furthermore, an accumulation of advanced glycation end‐products is detectable in the crystalline lens of diabetic patients.Conclusion Fluorescence lifetime enables functional metabolic diagnostics at cellular level.
Effect of subtenon injection of natural leucocytic interferon‐α for treatment of age‐related choroidal neovascularization
Authors: CELLINI M , STROBBE E , BALDUCCI N , CAMPOS E 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurpose To evaluate the effect of subtenon injection of natural leucocytic interferon‐α (IFN‐α) on visual acuity (VA), macular thickness (MT) and membrane size in patients affected by type II age‐related choroidal neovascularization (CNV) refractory to intravitreal injection of bevacizumabMethods 20 patients (male:female=8:12; mean age: 77.7±6.6) were evaluated, including best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fluorescein angiography, indocianin angiography and SD‐OCT, preoperatively and after 1 month and 4 months following the last injection. Patients received a parabulbar subtenonian injection of IFN‐α (1x106 UL/ml, Alfaferone, AlfaWassermann) 3 times a week for 4 consecutive weeks.Results BCVA, expressed in LogMAR, significantly improved after the first month (0.88±0.49vs0.65±0.52; p<0,001), and was stable at the third visit (0.60±0.52 p<0,001). SD‐OCT showed a significant reduction in MT (485.05µm ±129.5 vs 391.00µm ±125.47; p<0.001). After 4 months, MT was slightly increased, but it was still significantly lower than the baseline (405.20µm±151.03 p=0,04). Fluorangiographic images showed a significant reduction in membrane size (1.79 mmq ±1.26 vs 1.18 mmq ±1.10 p=0.003) and the result was stable at the follow up visit (1.01 mmq ±1.17 p=0.002). No adverse advents were recorded.Conclusion IFN‐α, with its immunomodulatory, antiproliferative and antiangiogenic actions, was effective in improving VA and reducing MT and membrane size.Randomized controlled studies will be useful to illustrate the effect of parabulbar IFN‐α alone or in combination with other intravitreal therapy for the treatment of CNV.