bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Causes, Challenges and Prospects of Brain Drain: The Case of Eritrea
Authors: Tessema Mussie 
Published: December 2009

AbstractWhile there is little doubt that highly skilled workers in many Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are scarce, it is also true that many highly trained professionals have left LDCs to go and work in the developed world. The latter, known as the “brain drain,” or simply human capital flight, is not at all a new phenomenon; it has only become more pronounced in recent years. This paper delves into the causes, challenges, and prospects of the phenomenon of the “brain drain” in LDCs, by taking Eritrea as a case study. In so doing, it demonstrates that deteriorating economic conditions, lack of good governance and political instability are the root causes of the “brain drain” in LDCs such as Eritrea. The paper also highlights the impact of the “brain drain”, and suggests some of the measures that may be put in place by governments of LDCs in order to redress the situation.
The redistributive effect of public and private social programmes: A cross‐country empirical analysis
Authors: Goudswaard Kees , Caminada Koen 
Published: December 2009

AbstractA function of many national social protection systems is to substantially redistribute income. However, the size and nature of social protection programmes are changing. In a number of countries there has been a shift from public towards private social protection arrangements, with the latter substituting for, or complementing, public programmes. Developing earlier work, this present article analyses the redistributive impact on income of public versus private social protection programmes. Using recent data from the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development, we find a strong positive relationship between public social expenditures and income redistribution across countries. For private social expenditures, we find a weak, but statistically significant, negative relationship with the level of redistribution. In countries where a larger share of total social expenditure is accorded to private arrangements there is less income redistribution. We conclude that the choice between the relative weight of public and private provision of social protection affects the redistributive impact of the welfare state.
Social security coverage extension: A review of recent evidence
Authors: Van Ginneken Wouter 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis article reports the findings of 13 studies undertaken as part of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) project on “Examining the existing knowledge on coverage extension”. It reviews recent evidence that highlights how cash benefits and health‐care coverage, financed on the basis of contributions or tax revenue or both, can be extended and maintained in low‐, middle‐ and high‐income countries. The article also highlights a number of priority areas and issues for coverage extension, including realizing improved protection for informal‐economy and migrant workers.
Health care as a social security benefit: Institutional approaches to extending coverage
Authors: Ron Aviva 
Published: December 2009

AbstractReaching universal health‐care coverage requires an appropriate mix of compulsory contributory social insurance schemes, with mechanisms to include the informal‐economy population, and tax‐based social assistance for those whose incomes preclude their own contributions. This article urges a reversal of the trend that favours the separate development of social health insurance by separate health authorities and makes the case for the extension of health‐care coverage using existing formal‐sector social security schemes, not least because they have the necessary political backing and institutional structures. The article reviews reasons for the slow pace of coverage extension to date, and stresses the added value of incorporating health care as a social security benefit while also acknowledging the importance of retaining linkages between statutory and well‐regulated community‐based or micro health‐insurance schemes.
Non‐ablative 1550‐nm erbium‐glass and ablative 10 600‐nm carbon dioxide fractional lasers for acne scars: a randomized split‐face study with blinded response evaluation
Authors: Cho SB , Lee SJ , Cho S , Oh SH , Chung WS , Kang JM , Kim YK , Kim DH 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground  Non‐ablative 1550‐nm erbium‐doped fractional photothermolysis systems (FPS) and 10 600‐nm carbon dioxide fractional laser systems (CO2 FS) have been effectively used to treat scars.Objective  We compared the efficacy and safety of single‐session treatments of FPS and CO2 FS for acne scars through a randomized, split‐face, evaluator‐blinded study.Methods  Eight patients with acne scars were enrolled in this study. Half of each subject’s face was treated with FPS and the other half was treated with CO2 FS. We used a quartile grading scale for evaluations.Results  At 3 months after the treatment, the mean grade of improvement based on clinical assessment was 2.0 ± 0.5 for FPS and 2.5 ± 0.8 for CO2 FS. On each side treated by FPS and CO2 FS, the mean duration of post‐therapy crusting and scaling was 2.3 and 7.4 days respectively and that of post‐therapy erythema was 7.5 and 11.5 days respectively. The mean VAS pain score was 3.9 ± 2.0 with the FPS and 7.0 ± 2.0 with the CO2 FS.Conclusion  We demonstrated the efficacy and safety of single‐session acne scar treatment using FPS and CO2 FS in East Asian patients. We believe that our study could be used as an essential reference when choosing laser modalities for scar treatment.
Nanomolar vitamin E α‐tocotrienol inhibits glutamate‐induced activation of phospholipase A2 and causes neuroprotection
Authors: Khanna Savita , Parinandi Narasimham L. , Kotha Sainath R. , Roy Sashwati , Rink Cameron , Bibus Douglas , Sen Chandan K. 
Published: December 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 1249–1260.AbstractOur previous works have elucidated that the 12‐lipoxygenase pathway is directly implicated in glutamate‐induced neural cell death, and that such that toxicity is prevented by nM concentrations of the natural vitamin E α‐tocotrienol (TCT). In the current study we tested the hypothesis that phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity is sensitive to glutamate and mobilizes arachidonic acid (AA), a substrate for 12‐lipoxygenase. Furthermore, we examined whether TCT regulates glutamate‐inducible PLA2 activity in neural cells. Glutamate challenge induced the release of [3H]AA from HT4 neural cells. Such response was attenuated by calcium chelators (EGTA and BAPTA), cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2)‐specific inhibitor (AACOCF3) as well as TCT at 250 nM. Glutamate also caused the elevation of free polyunsaturated fatty acid (AA and docosahexaenoic acid) levels and disappearance of phospholipid‐esterified AA in neural cells. Furthermore, glutamate induced a time‐dependent translocation and enhanced serine phosphorylation of cPLA2 in the cells. These effects of glutamate on fatty acid levels and on cPLA2 were significantly attenuated by nM TCT. The observations that AACOCF3, transient knock‐down of cPLA2 as well as TCT significantly protected against the glutamate‐induced death of neural cells implicate cPLA2 as a TCT‐sensitive mediator of glutamate induced neural cell death. This work presents first evidence recognizing glutamate‐induced changes in cPLA2 as a novel mechanism responsible for neuroprotection observed in response to nanomolar concentrations of TCT.
Nicotine self‐administration diminishes stress‐induced norepinephrine secretion but augments adrenergic‐responsiveness in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus and enhances adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone release
Authors: Yu Guoliang , Sharp Burt M. 
Published: December 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 1327–1337.AbstractChronic nicotine self‐administration augments the thalamo‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) responses to stress. Altered neuropeptide expression within corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) contributes to this enhanced HPA response to stress. Herein, we determined the role of norepinephrine, a primary regulator of CRF neurons, in the responses to footshock during nicotine self‐administration. On day 12–15 of self‐administration, microdialysis showed nicotine reduced PVN norepinephrine release by footshock (< 50% of saline). Yet, the reduction in footshock‐induced adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone secretion because of intra‐PVN prazosin (α1 adrenergic antagonist) was significantly greater in rats self‐administering nicotine (2‐fold) than saline. Additionally, PVN phenylephrine (α1 agonist) stimulated adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone release to a similar extent in unstressed rats self‐administering nicotine or saline. Nicotine self‐administration also decreased footshock‐induced c‐Fos expression in the nucleus of the solitary tract‐A2/C2 catecholaminergic neurons that project to the PVN. Therefore, footshock‐induced nucleus of the solitary tract activation and PVN norepinephrine input are both attenuated by nicotine self‐administration, yet PVN CRF neurons are more responsive to α1 stimulation, but only during stress. This plasticity in noradrenergic regulation of PVN CRF neurons provides a new mechanism contributing to the HPA sensitization to stress by nicotine self‐administration and smoking.
Evaluation of the Mirasol platelet reduction technology system against Babesia microti in apheresis platelets and plasma
Authors: Tonnetti Laura , Proctor Melanie C. , Reddy Heather L , Goodrich Raymond P. , Leiby David A. 
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: Babesia microti is an intraerythrocytic parasite, transmitted naturally to humans by infected ixodid ticks, that causes babesiosis. In recent years, B. microti has been identified as a growing public health concern that has also emerged as a critical blood safety issue in the absence of appropriate interventions to reduce transmission by blood transfusion. Thus, we evaluated the ability of the Mirasol pathogen reduction technology (PRT; CaridianBCT), which uses riboflavin (RB) and ultraviolet (UV) light, to diminish the presence of B. microti in apheresis plasma and platelets (PLTs).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Apheresis plasma and PLT units were spiked with B. microti‐infected hamster blood and subsequently treated using the Mirasol PRT system. Control and experimental samples were collected at different stages during the treatment process and injected into hamsters to detect the presence of viable parasites. Four weeks postinoculation, hamster blood was tested for B. microti infection by blood smear and real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis.RESULTS: None of the blood smears from animals injected with samples from PRT‐treated plasma or PLT units were positive by microscopy, while all the non–PRT‐treated plasma and PLT units were demonstrably parasitemic. Parasite load reduction in hamsters ranged between 4 and 5 log in all PRT‐treated units compared to untreated controls.CONCLUSION: The data indicate that the use of RB and UV light efficiently reduces the presence of viable B. microti in apheresis plasma and PLT products, thereby reducing the risk of transfusion‐transmitted Babesia potentially associated with these products. Based on this observed “proof of principle,” future studies will determine the efficacy of the Mirasol PRT in whole blood.
From Organizational Citizenship Behaviour to Team Performance: The Mediation of Group Cohesion and Collective Efficacy
Authors: Lin Cheng-Chen (Timothy) , Peng Tai-Kuang (T. K.) 
Published: December 2009

AbstractWhat is the relationship between individual members' organizational citizenship behaviours (OCB) and team-level performance? Using a social cognitive perspective, the current study proposes that the relationship is mediated by a team's cohesion and collective efficacy. We collected data at two points in time from three sources with a sample of 462 salespersons representing 62 teams (62 branches) of a financial institute in Taiwan. The results support the theoretical argument that OCB positively influences organizational performance. Furthermore, group cohesion and collective efficacy fully mediated the direct effects of OCB towards individuals and the organization on team performance. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.
How Does Short‐Term Low‐Dose Simvastatin Influence Serum Prohepcidin Levels in Patients With End‐Stage Renal Disease? A Pilot Study
Authors: Li Xiang‐Yang , Chang Ju‐Ping , Su Zhuo‐Wa , Li Jiu‐Hong , Peng Bo‐Shen , Zhu Sheng‐Lang , Cai An‐Ji , Zhang Jun , Jiang Ying 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAnemia is a common clinical problem in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Despite adequate erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent (ESA) supplementation, some ESRD patients still have suboptimal hemoglobin levels, and iron deficiency and inflammation are recognized as the two most common causes. Hepcidin, a newly discovered key regulator of iron homeostasis, is found to be accumulated in ESRD. As it controls iron uptake and release, better reflecting real‐time iron demand and availability, hepcidin might become a target in the management of iron deficiency and ESA resistance in dialysis patients. For their pleiotropic functions apart from lipid‐modulation, statins are also used as anti‐inflammatory or immune‐modulating agents. In this study, we applied simvastatin for the purpose of influencing serum prohepcidin level in a group of maintenance hemodialysis patients. Thirty‐three ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis were enrolled and assigned to experimental and hemodialysis control groups according to their lipid profile. Nineteen healthy adults were chosen as a normal control group. The subjects in the experimental group took 20 mg simvastatin orally per night for eight weeks, and those in the hemodialysis control group took no statins or any other lipid‐modulating drugs. Before and after the experiment, the serum prohepcidin concentrations, plasma IL‐6, and serum C‐reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, hemoglobin, albumin, total cholesterol, glycerinate, and LDL and HDL cholesterol levels were determined. Of the 33 hemodialysis patients, the serum prohepcidin concentration was (175.8 ± 52.9) ng/mL, significantly higher than that in the normal control group (149.5 ± 24.2) ng/mL (P = 0.048). In the experimental group, the serum prohepcidin level was (156.7 ± 51.9) ng/mL before treatment, and (190.6 ± 49.6) ng/mL after eight weeks (P = 0.127). In the hemodialysis control group, the serum prohepcidin level was (190.6 ± 49.6) ng/mL at the beginning, and (193.5 ± 36.0) ng/mL after eight weeks (P = 0.728). In the experimental group, after taking simvastatin for eight weeks the serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels had lowered by 18.6% (P = 0.004) and 55.1% (P = 0.007), respectively. The plasma IL‐6, serum CRP, ferritin, hemoglobin, albumin, and LDL and HDL cholesterol levels in both the hemodialysis group remained unchanged. According to our preliminary study, eight weeks of 20 mg simvastatin did not significantly change the serum prohepcidin, high‐sensitive CRP, or IL‐6 concentrations in the group of maintenance hemodialysis patients.
Operational experiences with structured plastic media filters: 10 years on
Authors: Pearce P. , Jarvis S. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe performance of 10 cross flow structured plastic media trickling filter plants is discussed. The sites are arranged in a number of configurations with the plastic media filters operating as sole secondary process units, in parallel with other process units or in double filtration configuration. Data for 2003 and 2004 show that the plants are performing well. Data are presented for the plastic media filter stream where it is available. Two operational problems are discussed; overgrazing of nitrifying biofilms by excessive populations of snails and loss of nitrification performance in cold weather, particularly on smaller sites. Overgrazing by snails, identified as Lymnaea peregra has been controlled on one site by the annual treatment of an isolated filter with high ammoniacal nitrogen strength sludge dewatering liquors. On a second site suffering a similar problem the plastic media filter duty was changed from single filtration to being the primary filters in a double filtration system with existing stone media filters used for secondary filters. Loss of nitrification performance has been associated with excessive heat loss on some sites. Filters built as tower structures, with typically 4–5 m media depth allow easy control of airflow via restriction of the engineered ventilation openings at the base of the filter. This has been found to have a direct impact on the degree of cooling. However, airflow control on plastic media retrofitted into wide shallow stone media filter shells with 1.6–2 m media depth is more difficult. These structures offer less opportunity for control of airflow and associated heat losses.
Why Patients Sue Doctors: The Japanese Experience
Authors: Feldman Eric A. 
Published: December 2009

The cost of health care, its growing share of the gross domestic product (GDP), and dire predictions about the future are a major political and economic issue in the U.S. The American legal system is commonly viewed as a significant part of the problem, particularly by those who believe that medical providers engage in defensive medicine in an effort to avoid malpractice litigation. Yet scholars and commentators in the U.S. have shown relatively little interest in how other nations manage legal conflict over health care and whether they might learn something from abroad about the relationship between malpractice litigation and the health care system more generally.To that end, this article analyzes the Japanese health care experience, specifically the management of what are variously called adverse outcomes, medical accidents, and medical malpractice. How frequently do Japanese patients sue their doctors? Are medical malpractice litigation rates in Japan rising? If so, what is being done to control the increase and its impact on medical care? How well is Japan doing when it comes to balancing the needs of patients who believe they are victims of medical negligence with those of providers who think they are being unfairly accused? These are the questions, about Japan (and elsewhere), that need to be asked by those interested in the nexus of law and health care in the U.S.
Realization of the International Human Right to Health in an Economically Integrated North America
Authors: Kinney Eleanor D. 
Published: December 2009

During World War II, the Allies created the United Nations and its associated international institutions to stabilize the post-war world. The Allies envisioned a coordinated world in which human rights for all were respected, economic and social progress for all promoted, and global warfare prevented. This was a phenomenally fantastic vision that seemed unattainable in the wake of the most devastating global war in history.Today, the world is witnessing some of the fruits of these mid-20th century events and aspirations, especially since the collapse of Communism in 1989. Economic integration and free trade has become much more prevalent as exemplified by astounding developments such as the European Union. And there is a greater appreciation of human rights, including the international human right to health. This article examines the evolution of trade policy and the impact of free trade policies on the health care sectors of the three countries of North America and the realization of the human right to health in North America.
Ethical and Legal Analyses of Policy Prohibiting Tobacco Smoking in Enclosed Public Spaces
Authors: Oriola Taiwo A. 
Published: December 2009

It is axiomatic that tobacco smoking is hazardous to health. The statistics are well documented and often very grim. For example, the 2008 World Health Organization Report on the global tobacco epidemic presented the following statistics: a hundred million people died of tobacco-related diseases globally in the 20th century; there are approximately over five million tobacco-related deaths every year; and an estimated one billion could die of tobacco-related diseases in this 21st century.Significantly, no other risky, self-indulgent addictive behaviors such as cocaine abuse directly endanger bystanders as much as cigarette smoking or tobacco use endangers nonsmokers through secondhand tobacco smoke or inhaled environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). Environmental tobacco smoke comprises sidestream smoke (smoke that emanates from the burning end of a tobacco product) and mainstream smoke (smoke exhaled by the smoker). About 85 percent of environmental tobacco smoke is sidestream smoke, while the remainder is mainstream smoke.
Making world heritage truly global: The Culture Certificate Scheme
Authors: Frey Bruno S. , Pamini Paolo 
Published: December 2009

Abstract.Culture has attributes of a global public good that needs to be preserved for mankind as a whole. World Culture Certificates are proposed to efficiently preserve World Heritage. The community of nations has to agree on the Global Heritage List and how much each nation is to contribute to that purpose. Each World Heritage site conserved is acknowledged through the issuance of a tradable Certificate. Countries and private firms are induced to seek sites where financial resources can be spent most productively. This leads to an efficient allocation of resources to preserve World Heritage.
The Phenomenon of Interlocking, Early Development Banks and their Efficiency: the pre‐1945 European Periphery in a wider context
Authors: Kossev Kiril 
Published: December 2009

Abstract.The phenomenon of interlocking has been used to look at economic connections during the early stages of development and more recently in modern finance theories to explain inefficiencies in banking systems. A controversy exists as to its effects. This paper argues that a well‐formed interlocked network can be an inefficient equilibrium for development, reached through the channel of diminished banking sector profitability, and we need further research in this area to fully understand the issues associated with small, peripheral economies on the path of modern economic growth.