bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Foreign Aid in the Presence of Corruption: Differential Games among Donors
Authors: Kemp Murray C. , Long Ngo Van 
Published: April 2009

AbstractWe consider two dynamic games of foreign aid. Model 1 deals with the case where donor countries continually feel the warm glow from the act of giving. Model 2 postulates that donors will stop giving aid when a target level of development is reached. In Model 1, there are multiple equilibria that can be Pareto ranked. In Model 2, the equilibrium strategies are nonlinear functions of the level of development. The flow of aid falls at a faster and faster rate as the target is approached. An increase in corruption will increase the flow of aid.
A longitudinal study of Taiwanese Sialidosis type 1: an insight into the concept of cherry‐red spot myoclonus syndrome
Authors: Lai S.‐C. , Chen R.‐S. , Wu Chou Y.‐H. , Chang H.‐C. , Kao L.‐Y. , Huang Y.‐Z. , Weng Y.‐H. , Chen J.‐K. , Hwu W.‐L. , Lu C.‐S. 
Published: April 2009

Background and purpose:  Sialidosis type 1 (ST‐1) is a neurodegenerative disorder with limited long‐term follow‐up report. This study is to document the chronological profile of ST‐1.Methods:  We perform serial analysis of 17 Taiwanese patients with ST‐1 focusing on evolution of clinical features, electrophysiological findings, genetic studies, and neuroimage examinations.Results:  All patients had a mutation at 554A→G in exon 3 of the NEU1 gene causing Ser182Gly substitution. Fifteen patients were homozygous. Two patients were heterozygous with novel mutations, 956C→T causing Ala319Val in one and 163C→T causing Gln55stop codon in the other. The neuraminidase activity was markedly decreased in all 11 available patients. Only three patients (17.6%) manifested the macular cherry‐red spot. The majority of patients (82.3%) developed full‐blown manifestation of myoclonus, ataxia, and seizures within 5 years. Abnormal somatosensory evoked potentials with giant cortical waves were found in all patients. Prolonged P100 peak latency of the visual evoked potentials (VEPs) were found in 16 patients (94.1%) in the early stage even without visual symptoms.Conclusion:  ST‐1 in Taiwanese population illustrates distinct characteristics of phenotype with infrequent cherry‐red spot. We suggest to screen the NEU1 mutations in patients presenting action myoclonus with abnormal VEPs, even without macular cherry‐red spots.
Health‐related quality of life measures and psychiatric comorbidity in patients with migraine
Authors: Mula M. , Viana M. , Jauch R. , Schmitz B. , Bettucci D. , Cavanna A. E. , Strigaro G. , Tota M. G. , Israel H. , Reuter U. , Monaco F. 
Published: April 2009

Background and purpose:  The identification of factors associated to health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) measures in patients with migraine has major implications in terms of prognosis and treatment. This study aimed at investigating associations between HRQoL and comorbid mood and anxiety disorders.Methods:  Consecutive adult outpatients with a diagnosis of migraine with or without aura were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) Plus version 5.0.0 and the Migraine‐Specific Quality‐of‐Life Questionnaire (MSQ).Results:  Data of 112 patients (82 females), 69 without aura, mean age 41.2 ± 13.3 years were analyzed. According to the M.I.N.I., 50% patients had a lifetime or current DSM‐IV diagnosis of mood or anxiety disorder. There was no between‐groups difference in MSQ total and subscale scores in relation to the presence/absence of psychiatric comorbidity, independently whether that was current or lifetime. In the group of subjects with psychiatric disorders, age at onset of migraine correlated with MSQ‐total (rho = −0.407 P = 0.002), and subscale scores (Role Function‐Restrictive, rho = −0.397, P = 0.002; Emotional Function, rho = −0.487, P < 0.001).Conclusions:  Our findings suggest that current and/or lifetime psychiatric comorbidities are not associated with HRQoL measures in patients with migraine. However, patients with migraine and psychiatric comorbidities may represent a specific subgroup deserving particular attention for targeted interventions.
Emotions, Retribution, and Punishment
Authors: CIOCCHETTI CHRISTOPHER 
Published: April 2009

abstract I examine emotional reactions to wrongdoing to determine whether they offer support for retributivism. It is often thought that victims desire to see their victimizer suffer and that this reaction offers support for retributivism. After rejecting several attempts to use different theories of emotion and different approaches to using emotions to justify retributivism, I find that, assuming a cognitive theory of emotion is correct, emotions can be used as heuristic guides much as suggested by Michael Moore. Applying this method to the actual emotional reactions of victims’ relatives, however, does not find support for retributivism. Instead, it suggests punishment should be understood as part of a process of recovery with a complex set of demands. Retributive concerns can play a role in the process, but they don't have the priority that retributivism requires.
The Metaphysical Foundations of Reproductive Ethics
Authors: MANNINEN BERTHA ALVAREZ 
Published: April 2009

abstract Many bioethicists working in reproductive ethics tacitly assume some theory of diachronic personal identity. For example, Peter Singer argues that there is no identity relation between a foetus and a future individual because the former shares no robust mental connections with the latter. Consequently, abortion prevents the existence of an individual; it does not destroy an already existing individual. Singer's argument implicitly appeals to the psychological account of personal identity, which, although endorsed by many philosophers such as Derek Parfit, is contentious. Singer does not attempt to defend the psychological account before applying it to the moral permissibility of abortion. Indeed, with some notable exceptions, very few bioethicists attempt antecedently to defend their chosen theory of personal identity before applying it to their ethical arguments. In this paper, I look at the issues of abortion, embryonic stem cell research, and human reproductive cloning in order to illustrate how many of the arguments made by bioethicists on these topics are, at least partly, based upon veiled metaphysical assumptions. My objective is to illustrate that progress can be made on these topics by attending to their fundamental metaphysical claims.
Source of coesite inclusions within inherited magmatic zircon from Sulu UHP rocks, eastern China, and their bearing for fluid–rock interaction and SHRIMP dating
Authors: ZHANG Z. M. , SCHERTL H.‐P. , WANG J. L. , SHEN K. , LIOU J. G. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe 5‐km deep Chinese Continental Scientific Drilling Main Hole penetrated a sequence of ultrahigh pressure (UHP)‐metamorphic rocks consisting mainly of eclogite, gneiss and garnet‐peridotite with minor schist and quartzite. Zircon separates taken from thin layers of schist and gneiss within eclogite were investigated. Cathodoluminescence images of zircon grains show that they have oscillatory zoned magmatic cores and unzoned to patchy zoned metamorphic rims. Zircon rims contain rare coesite and calcite inclusions whereas cores contain inclusions of both low‐P minerals (e.g. feldspar, biotite and quartz) and coesite and other eclogite‐facies minerals such as phengite and jadeite. The zircon cores give highly variable 206Pb/238U ages ranging from 760 to 431 Ma for schist and from 698 to 285 Ma for gneiss, and relatively high but variable Th/U ratios (0.16–1.91). We suggest that the coesite and other eclogite facies mineral inclusions in zircon cores were not magmatic but formed through metasomatic processes caused by fluids during UHP metamorphism, and that the fluids contain components of SiO2, Al2O3, K2O, FeO, MgO, Na2O and H2O. Metasomatism of the Sulu UHP rocks during continental subduction to mantle depths has partly altered magmatic zircon cores and reset isotopic systems. This study provides key evidence that mineral inclusions within magmatic zircon domains are not unequivocal indicators of the formation conditions of the respective domain. This finding leads us to conclude that the routine procedure for dating of metamorphic events solely based on the occurrence of mineral inclusions in zoned zircon could be misleading and the data should be treated with caution.
Complexity and Transition Management
Authors: Rotmans Jan , Loorbach Derk 
Published: April 2009

SummaryThis article presents a framework, transition management, for managing complex societal systems. The principal contribution of this article is to articulate the relationship between transition management and complex systems theory. A better understanding of the dynamics of complex, adaptive systems provides insight into the opportunities, limitations, and conditions under which it is possible to influence such systems. Transition management is based on key notions of complex systems theory, such as variation and selection, emergence, coevolution, and self‐organization. It involves a cyclical process of phases at various scale levels: stimulating niche development at the micro level, finding new attractors at the macro level by developing a sustainability vision, creating diversity by setting out experiments, and selecting successful experiments that can be scaled up.
Cultural Equivalence in Depressive Symptoms in Older White, Black, and Mexican‐American Adults
Authors: Kim Giyeon , Chiriboga David A. , Jang Yuri 
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVES: To examine cultural equivalence in responses to depressive symptom items of three racial or ethnic elderly groups.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional analyses of two national data sets.SETTING: The New Haven Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (EPESE) and the five‐state Hispanic EPESE (H‐EPESE).PARTICIPANTS: Whites (n=1,876) and blacks (n=464) were drawn from the New Haven EPESE and Mexican Americans (n=2,623) were drawn from the H‐EPESE.MEASUREMENT: The original 20‐item version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D).RESULTS: From differential item functioning analyses, a lack of measurement equivalence was found for 16 depressive symptom items. Mexican Americans were predisposed to endorse 12 depressive symptoms. Blacks were more likely than whites to endorse two interpersonal items (unfriendly and disliked). Mexican Americans were more likely than whites to respond to four positive affect items (good, hopeful, happy, and enjoyed) and more likely than blacks to endorse three positive items (good, happy, and enjoyed).CONCLUSION: Results suggested response bias to depressive symptom items in racially and ethnically diverse older adults. Mexican Americans were more likely than whites to endorse the large number of depressive symptom items. Blacks were much more likely to respond in patterns similar to those of the whites. Findings from this study provide a foundation for developing culturally appropriate depression measures in health disparities research.
Elderly Patients' Knowledge of Drug Benefit Caps and Communication with Providers About Exceeding Caps
Authors: Tseng Chien‐Wen , Dudley R. Adams , Brook Robert H. , Keeler Emmett , Hixon Allen L. , Manlucu Luella R. , Mangione Carol M. 
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVES: Many elderly persons have drug benefits with coverage gaps, such as in Medicare Part D. Because beneficiaries who have such gaps must pay all drug costs, an accurate knowledge of gap thresholds and communication with providers about exceeding caps is important for elderly persons to manage out‐of‐pocket drug costs.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional survey.SETTING: Health plan.PARTICIPANTS: One thousand three hundred eight health plan members aged 65 and older. The study was a 2002 cross‐sectional survey of elderly persons with capped drug benefits in a managed care plan in one state. Participants were sampled so that half reached coverage caps and half did not.METHODS: Participants reported cap levels, communication with providers about exceeding caps, and decreased medication use due to cost.RESULTS: Of the 1,308 participants (65.4% response rate), 68.6% did not know their correct cap level. Rates were similar in those who exceeded caps (66.2%), reported difficulty paying for medications (63.9%), or decreased medication use (66%). For participants who exceeded caps, 59.1% did not know beforehand that they were close to exceeding caps and 50.2% did not tell providers afterward. In multivariate analyses accounting for demographics and health, the oldest participants (≥85 vs 65–74) were at greater risk for not knowing cap levels (odds ratio (OR)=2.0, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.2–3.4) and not telling providers about exceeding caps (OR=2.2, 95% CI=1.1–4.5).CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients often did not know correct cap levels and did not tell providers about exceeding caps. Providers, plans, and policymakers should actively assess and improve Medicare beneficiaries' knowledge of Part D coverage gaps.
Nonmetallic Prefabricated Dowels: A Review of Compositions, Properties, Laboratory, and Clinical Test Results
Authors: Baba Nadim Z. , Golden Gary , Goodacre Charles J. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract Purpose: Prefabricated dowels have become popular, and a wide variety of systems are available. Recently, in response to a need for tooth‐colored dowels, several nonmetallic dowels such as carbon‐fiber epoxy resin, zirconia, glass fiber‐reinforced epoxy resin, and ultra‐high polyethelene fiber‐reinforced dowels are available. With a plethora of different materials and systems currently available for use, an overview of the scientific literature on nonmetallic dowels is indicated. This article reviews the current literature dealing with the compositions, properties, and laboratory and clinical test results of nonmetallic prefabricated dowels. Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature was completed seeking evidence for the treatment of teeth with nonmetallic prefabricated dowels. A search of English language peer‐reviewed literature was undertaken using MEDLINE and PubMed with a focus on clinical research articles published between 1996 and 2007. A hand search of relevant dental journals was also completed. Results: The literature demonstrates that in vitro investigations demonstrated favorable physical and mechanical properties of these dowels; however, clinically, there has been a wide range of reported failure percentages. Conclusion: Since there is considerable variation in reported failure percentages, longer‐term studies are needed that present data regarding all types of complications that have been identified in the literature.
Primary Prevention Implantation of Cardioverter Defibrillator without Defibrillation Threshold Testing: 2‐Year Follow‐up
Authors: BIANCHI STEFANO , RICCI RENATO P. , BISCIONE FRANCESCO , SGRECCIA FABRIZIO , DI BELARDINO NATALE , ROSSI PIETRO , GIULI SILVIA , GRAMMATICO ANDREA , DE SANTO TIZIANA , SANTI ELISABETTA , MERICO MONICA , PICCIRILLO GIANFRANCO , AZZOLINI PAOLO , SANTINI MASSIMO , PUGLISI ANDREA 
Published: April 2009

Background: Even though the intraoperative threshold testing of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) may cause hemodynamic impairment or be unfeasible, it is still considered required standard practice at the time of implantation. We compared the outcome of ICD recipients who underwent defibrillation threshold testing (DFT) with that of patients in whom no testing was performed.
Methods: A total of 291 subjects with ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy received transvenous ICDs between January 2000 and December 2004 in five Italian cardiology centers. In two centers, DFT was routinely performed in 137 patients (81% men; mean age 69±9 years; mean ejection fraction 26±4%) (DFT group), while three centers never performed DFT in 154 patients (90% men; mean age 69±9 years; mean ejection fraction 27±5%) (no‐DFT group).
Results: We compared total mortality, total cardiovascular mortality, sudden cardiac death (SCD), and spontaneous episodes of ventricular arrhythmia (sustained ventricular tachycardia, VT, and ventricular fibrillation, VF) between these groups 2 years after implantation (median 23 months, 25th–75th percentile, 12–44 months). On comparing the DFT and no‐DFT groups, we found an overall mortality rate of 20% versus 16%, cardiovascular mortality of 13% versus 10%, SCD of 3% versus 0.6%, VT incidence of 8% versus 10%, and VF incidence of 6% versus 4% (no significant difference in any comparison).
Conclusions: No significant differences in the incidence of clinical outcomes considered emerged between no‐DFT and DFT groups. These results should be confirmed in larger prospective studies.
Performance Evaluation of a Right Atrial Automatic Capture Verification Algorithm using Two Different Sensing Configurations
Authors: SPERZEL JOHANNES , GOETZE STEPHAN , KENNERGREN CHARLES , BIFFI MAURO , BROOKE M. JASON , VIRECA ELISA , SAHA SUNIPA , SCHUBERT BERND , BUTTER CHRISTIAN 
Published: April 2009

Background: This acute data collection study evaluated the performance of a right atrial (RA) automatic capture verification (ACV) algorithm based on evoked response sensing from two electrode configurations during independent unipolar pacing.
Methods: RA automatic threshold tests were conducted. Evoked response signals were simultaneously recorded between the RARing electrode and an empty pacemaker housing electrode (RARing→Can) and the electrically isolated Indifferent header electrode (RARing→Ind). The atrial evoked response (AER) and the performance of the ACV algorithm were evaluated off‐line using each sensing configuration. An accurate threshold measurement was defined as within 0.2 V of the unipolar threshold measured manually. Threshold tests were designed to fail for small AER (< 0.35 mV) or insufficient signal‐to‐artifact ratio (SAR < 2). Manual threshold measurements were obtained during RA unipolar and bipolar pacing and compared across device indications.
Results: Data were collected from 38 patients with RA bipolar leads from four manufacturers. AER signals were analyzed from 34 patients who were indicated for a pacemaker (five), implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (11), or cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemaker (six) or defibrillator (12). The minimum AER amplitude was larger (P < 0.0001) when recorded from RARing→Can (1.6±0.9 mV) than from RARing→Ind (1.3±0.8 mV). The algorithm successfully measured the pacing threshold in 96.8% and 91.0% of tests for RARing→Can and RARing→Ind, respectively. No statistical difference between the unipolar and bipolar pacing threshold was observed.
Conclusions: The RARing→Can AER sensing configuration may provide a means of implementing an independent pacing/sensing method for ACV in the RA. RA bipolar pacing therapy based on measured RA unipolar pacing thresholds may be feasible.
XIENCE V™ Everolimus‐Eluting Coronary Stent System: A Preclinical Assessment
Authors: PERKINS LAURA E. L. , BOEKE‐PURKIS KATRIN H. , WANG QING , STRINGER STEVEN K. , COLEMAN LESLIE A. 
Published: April 2009

Background: The XIENCE V™ everolimus‐eluting coronary stent system is a second‐generation drug‐eluting stent designed for safety and efficacy in the interventional treatment of coronary artery disease and in preventing in‐stent restenosis. A comprehensive preclinical program was completed to aid in the scientific design and to demonstrate the safety of XIENCE V.
Methods: Studies evaluating clinical dose selection, pharmacokinetics, single and overlapping stent safety, polymer safety, and maximum dose (8× everolimus) safety were conducted in the porcine coronary arterial model at 28, 90, 180 days, and 1 and 2 years. Additionally, a subset of studies was conducted in the rabbit iliac arterial model.
Results: Morbidity and mortality rates for all preclinical studies were exceptionally low, being less than 1%. The arterial response observed in the clinical dose selection study and in all safety studies was typified by benign neointimal hyperplasia with endothelialization by 28 days. Everolimus was released in a controlled manner for 120 days and remained primarily localized within the stented arterial region, which was evidenced histologically as peristrut fibrin. The temporal presence of peristrut fibrin matched the everolimus‐elution profile. Thrombosis, malapposition, medial loss, or other adverse effects were not observed in any preclinical studies.
Conclusion: XIENCE V has demonstrated safety via an extremely comprehensive preclinical program published to date for a DES system, with data generated in two species to 2 years. The preclinical data, along with the SPIRIT clinical trial data, demonstrate the excellent safety and potential efficacy profile of XIENCE V.
Nondipolar Content of T Wave Derived from a Myocardial Source Simulation with Increased Repolarization Inhomogeneity
Authors: Kesek Milos , Gustavsson Ola , Wiklund Urban 
Published: April 2009

Background: Several conditions with repolarization disturbances are associated with increased level of nondipolar components of the T wave. The nondipolar content has been proposed as a measure of repolarization inhomogeneity. This computer simulation study examines the link between increased nondipolar components and increased repolarization inhomogeneity in an established model. Methods: The simulation was performed with Ecgsim software that uses the equivalent double‐layer source model. In the model, the shape of transmembrane potential is derived from biological recordings. Increased repolarization inhomogeneity was simulated globally by increasing the variance in action potential duration and locally by introducing changes mimicking acute myocardial infarction. We synthesized surface ECG recordings with 12, 18, and 300 leads. The T‐wave residue was calculated by singular value decomposition. The study examined the effects of the number of ECG leads, changes in definition of end of T wave and random noise added to the signal. Results: Normal myocardial source gave a low level of nondipolar content. Increased nondipolar content was observed in the two types of increased repolarization inhomogeneity. Noise gave a large increase in the nondipolar content. The sensitivity of the result to noise increased when a higher number of principal components were used in the computation. Conclusions: The nondipolar content of the T wave was associated with repolarization inhomogeneity in the computer model. The measure was very sensitive to noise, especially when principal components of high order were included in the computations. Increased number of ECG leads resulted in an increased signal‐to‐noise ratio.
The impact of climate change on China's agriculture
Authors: Wang Jinxia , Mendelsohn Robert , Dinar Ariel , Huang Jikun , Rozelle Scott , Zhang Lijuan 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis article examines how expected changes in climate are likely to affect agriculture in China. The effects of temperature and precipitation on net crop revenues are analyzed using cross‐sectional data consisting of both rainfed and irrigated farms. Based on survey data from 8,405 households across 28 provinces, the results suggest that global warming is likely to be harmful to rainfed farms but beneficial to irrigated farms. The net impacts will be only mildly harmful at first, but the damages will grow over time. The impacts also vary by region. Farms in the Southeast will only be mildly affected but farms in the Northeast and Northwest will bear the largest damages. However, the study does not capture the indirect effects on farms of possible changes in water flow, which may be important in China.