bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SHORT COMMUNICATION: CD3− CD56+ CD16+ Natural Killer Cells and Improvement of Pregnancy Outcome in IVF/ICSI Failure After Additional IVIG‐Treatment
Authors: Heilmann Lothar , Schorsch Martin , Hahn Thomas 
Published: January 2010

Citation Heilmann L, Schorsch M, Hahn T. CD3− CD56+ CD16+ Natural killer cells and improvement of pregnancy outcome in IVF/ICSI failure after additional IVIG‐treatment. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63: 263–265Problem  The purpose of this retrospective, observational study was to investigate whether additional treatment with intravenous immunglobulin (IVIG) increased the rate of successful pregnancies after repeated implantation failure (RIF). The retrospective data were compared with data of patients without IVIG‐therapy from the meta‐analysis of Clark et al.Method of study  A total of 188 women with 226 treatment cycles between 2007 and 2009 were evaluated for IVIG therapy. The percentage of NK cells was measured two times before a new embryo transfer (only women with NK cell percentages >12% were included) and after embryo transfer at a positive pregnancy test.Results  In comparison with the meta‐analysis of Clark et al., we observed a pregnancy rate of 50.5%, an implantation rate of 21% and a miscarriage rate of 16.8%. In 42%/IVIG‐ patient or 34.9%/embryo transfer, we observed a live born baby. The live born rate per embryo was 16.6%. In accordance with the study of Kwak et al., we indicate a decrease in the NK cells in patients with improved pregnancy outcome.Conclusion  In a subgroup of RIF‐patients with high level of CD56+ CD16+ NK‐cells the additional application of IVIG leads to a favourable pregnancy outcome.
A new dynamo pattern revealed by solar helical magnetic fields
Authors: Zhang Hongqi , Sakurai T. , Pevtsov A. , Gao Yu , Xu Haiqing , Sokoloff D. D. , Kuzanyan K. 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
A previously unobservable mirror asymmetry of the solar magnetic field – a key ingredient of the dynamo mechanism which is believed to drive the 11-year activity cycle – has recently been measured. This was achieved through systematic monitoring of solar active regions carried out for more than 20 years at observatories in Mees, Huairou and Mitaka. In this Letter we report on detailed analysis of vector magnetic field data, obtained at Huairou Solar Observing Station in China. Electric current helicity (the product of current and magnetic field components in the same direction) was estimated from the data and a latitude–time plot of solar helicity during the last two solar cycles has been produced. We find that like sunspots helicity patterns propagate equatorwards, but unlike sunspot polarity helicity in each solar hemisphere does not change sign from cycle to cycle, thus confirming the theory. There are, however, two significant time–latitudinal domains in each cycle when the sign briefly inverts. Our findings shed new light on stellar and planetary dynamos and are yet to be included in the theory.
Hand up! Yawn and Raise Your Arm
Authors: Walusinski O. , Neau J.-P. , Bogousslavsky J. 
Published: January 2010

Background In some cases of hemiplegia, the initiation of yawning is associated with involuntary raising of the paralysed arm. Reports are scarce in the literature, probably because the phenomenon has largely been overlooked. Methods We studied six patients from two neurologic units, and compared them with published cases from the last 200 years. Brain imaging typically shows a small vascular lesion most often located in the internal capsule. Results After comparison with experimental models in cats, we suggest that damage to the cortico-neocerebellar tract of the extrapyramidal system disinhibits the spino-archeocere-bellar tract, enabling a motor stimulation of the arm by the lateral reticular nucleus, which harmonises both central respiratory and locomotor rhythms. Conclusions When phylogenetically primitive structures are disinhibited, they regain autonomy in the homeostatic process associating the massive inspiration of yawning – a form of behaviour that stimulates vigilance – with a motor control mechanism that is active during locomotion. For this phenomenon, we coined the term ‘parakinesia brachialis oscitans’.
Design of the Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy vs. Stenting Trial (CREST)
Authors: Sheffet A.J. , Roubin G. , Howard G. , Howard V. , Moore W. , Meschia J.F. , Hobson R.W. , Brott T.G. 
Published: January 2010

Rationale Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and medical therapy were shown superior to medical therapy alone for symptomatic (ge;50%) and asymptomatic (≥60%) stenosis. Carotid angioplasty stenting (CAS) offers a less invasive alternative. Establishing safety, efficacy, and durability of CAS requires rigorous comparison with CEA in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Aims The objective is to compare the efficacy of CAS versus CEA in patients with symptomatic (≥50%) or asymptomatic (≥60%) extracranial carotid stenosis. Design The Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy vs. Stenting Trial (CREST) is a prospective, randomized, parallel, two-arm, multi-center trial with blinded endpoint adjudication. Primary endpoints are analyzed using standard time-to-event statistical modeling with adjustment for major baseline covariates. Primary analysis is on an intent-to-treat basis. Study Outcomes The primary outcome is the occurrence of any stroke, myocardial infarction, or death during a 30-day peri-procedural period, and ipsilateral stroke during follow-up of up to four years. Secondary outcomes include restenosis and health-related quality of life.
Telomerase Inhibition as a Novel Therapy for Pediatric Ependymoma
Authors: Wong Vincent C.H. , Morrison Andrew , Tabori Uri , Hawkins Cynthia E. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractEpendymomas are the third most common pediatric brain tumor with an overall survival of ∼50%. Recently, we showed that telomerase [human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT)] expression is a predictor of poor outcome in pediatric ependymoma. Thus, we hypothesized that ependymomas with functional telomerase may behave more aggressively and that these patients may benefit from anti‐telomerase therapy. To address our hypothesis, we investigated the effect of telomerase inhibition on primary ependymoma cells harvested at the time of surgery, as no animal models or established cell lines are readily available for this tumor. The cells were characterized for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and hTERT expression, initial telomere length and telomerase activity. They were then subjected to telomerase inhibition (MST‐312, 1 µM) and tested for effects on cell viability (MTT assay), proliferation (MIB‐1), apoptosis (cleaved caspase 3) and DNA damage (γH2AX). After 72 h of telomerase inhibition, primary ependymoma cells showed a significant decrease in cell number (P < 0.001), accompanied by increased DNA damage (γH2AX expression) (P < 0.01) and decreased proliferative index (MIB‐1) (P < 0.01). Half showed an increase in apoptosis (cleaved caspase 3). These data suggest that telomerase inhibition may be an effective adjuvant therapy in pediatric ependymoma, potentially inducing tumor growth arrest in the short term, independent of telomere shortening.
FROZEN HARMONIES: PETRIFIED PLACES IN THE ANALYTIC FIELD
Authors: Morgan Helen 
Published: January 2010

abstractIn this paper I suggest that here‐and‐now transference interpretations can be defensive when they keep the focus on the intrapsychic world of the analysand and neglect the unconscious of the analyst and the unconscious‐to‐unconscious interaction between patient and analyst. Whilst the concept of the analytic field in psychoanalytic literature provides us with a way back to Freud's original consideration of the intersubjective alongside the intrapsychic, this inclusivity has been sustained within the Developmental School of Jungian Analytic thought. To illustrate this I present an adaptation of Jung's model of the transference. Once we engage in analytic work with an individual we are inevitably drawn into a ‘dance’ together with its own particular rhythms and harmonies. Each analytic couple creates an analytic field from their idiosyncratic energy flow. Within this field, interruptions to the ‘dance’ occur; mis‐steps and disharmonies involve an unconscious refusal within the analyst as well as the patient. Both the dance and the refusal are crucial for the work, and I suggest that our attention needs to be directed here, to the blocks or ‘petrified places’. To illustrate how I believe they can be made use of, I provide material from three case examples.
RHYTHM, BLUES, AFFIRMATION AND ENACTMENT: IT'S TOUGH SOLOING WITHOUT A RHYTHM SECTION
Authors: Horne Ann 
Published: January 2010

abstractThis paper reflects on the history of an 11 year‐old boy and the themes that were to be reprised in his own strategies for dealing with his objects. The use of the body in abuse and as a way of avoiding the risk of thought was principal in this, as was the avoidance of shame and humiliation. His defences rather easily became those of the network until thought was regained and a safe, resilient environment that would enable therapy to continue was finally sought.
Krogh cylinders in retinal development, panretinal hypoperfusion and diabetic retinopathy
Authors: McLeod David 
Published: January 2010

Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: 817–835Abstract.The volume of cells that a length of capillary supplies with O2 is called a Krogh cylinder. This geometric ‘tissue unit’ was named after the Danish zoophysiologist and Nobel laureate August Krogh who made important discoveries in the fields of external and internal respiration in the first half of the last century. Krogh’s ideas concerning tissue O2 distribution can be extrapolated to retinal oxygenation by larger vessels (including arterioles, arteries and even veins) and by vessel groups within higher‐order ‘microvascular units’ (including the choroid). During retinal development, for example, the difference in pO2 levels within arteries and capillaries determines Krogh cylinders of different radius and establishes the periarterial capillary‐free zone of His. The O2 supply to the venous end of a tissue unit may be compromised during periods of reduced perfusion, increased O2 consumption or hypoxaemia, resulting in an ‘anoxic corner’ of the Krogh cylinder. A funnel of hypometabolic (and therefore hypoxia‐tolerant) cells will likely intervene between the necrotic cells and unaffected cells located closer to the O2 source. Macular perivenular whitening heralds anoxic corners and/or hypoxic funnels owing to hypoperfusion within second‐order microvascular units. In eyes with extensive retinal capillary closure from diabetes, Krogh cylinders surround the medium‐sized arteries and veins that form arteriovenous shunts while traversing the midperipheral retina. These isolated tissue units incorporate an outer sheath of hypoxic cells within which vascular endothelial growth factor is upregulated. This ‘angiogenic sheath’ expands following retinal detachment; it corresponds to the hypoxia‐tolerant funnel within capillary‐based tissue units and to the cerebral penumbra after stroke.
Comparison of bovine hematology reference intervals from 1957 to 2006
Authors: George Jeanne W. , Snipes Joy , Lane V. Michael 
Published: January 2010

Background:The most commonly used bovine hematology reference intervals were published in 1965. We found the results from healthy cattle in 2001 differed from those in many ways. Discovery of the original laboratory book used to calculate the 1965 values gave us the opportunity to evaluate whether hematology values of healthy cattle have changed over time.Objective:The purpose of this study was to establish hematology reference intervals for Holstein cows, compare selected hematologic results with similar population data from 1957, and compare these reference intervals with those of other North American veterinary schools and published values.Methods:Reference intervals were developed in 2001 using clinically healthy, bovine leukemia virus‐negative, mid‐lactation Holstein cows. Selected parts of the hemograms and neutrophil:lymphocyte (N:L) ratio were compared with those from healthy, age‐matched Holstein cows evaluated in 1957. Bovine reference intervals were solicited from clinical pathology laboratories in North American veterinary colleges and analyzed for population characteristics and method of analysis.Results:Between 1957 and 2001, mean neutrophil counts increased significantly, whereas lymphocyte, monocyte, and eosinophil counts and hemoglobin concentration decreased significantly. Mean N:L ratio increased significantly to 1.17. Most surveyed laboratories were using the 1965 reference intervals. Two other institutions that had developed reference intervals after 2000 had results similar to ours.Conclusions:Continued use of older bovine hematology reference intervals could lead to misinterpretation of within‐reference neutrophil counts as neutrophilia and under‐recognition of neutropenia, eosinophilia, monocytosis, or lymphocytosis. Use of N:L>1 as evidence of inflammation should be discontinued or used with great caution.
Metallothionein Enhances Angiogenesis and Arteriogenesis by Modulating Smooth Muscle Cell and Macrophage Function
Authors: Zbinden Stephan , Wang Jinsong , Adenika Remi , Schmidt Marcel , Tilan Justin U. , Najafi Amir H. , Peng XinZhi , Lassance-Soares Roberta M. , Iantorno Micaela , Morsli Hakim , Gercenshtein Leonid , Jang Gil Jin , Epstein Stephen E. , Burnett Mary Susan 
Published: January 2010

Objective—In a previous study we identified metallothionein (MT) as a candidate gene potentially influencing collaterogenesis. In this investigation, we determined the effect of MT on collaterogenesis and examined the mechanisms contributing to the effects we found.Methods and Results—Collateral blood flow recovery was assessed using laser Doppler perfusion imaging, and angiogenesis was measured using a Matrigel plug assay. Smooth muscle cells were isolated from MT knockout (KO) mice for functional assays. Gene expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9, platelet-derived growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and Fat cadherin in smooth muscle cells was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction, and protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase-9 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot. CD11b+macrophages were tested for invasiveness using a real-time impedance assay. Both flow recovery and angiogenesis were impaired in MT KO mice. Proliferation, migration, and invasion were decreased in MT KO smooth muscle cells, and matrix metalloproteinase-9, platelet-derived growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor expression were also decreased, whereas FAT-1 cadherin expression was elevated. MT KO CD11b+cells were more invasive than wild-type cells.Conclusion—MT plays an important role in collateral flow recovery and angiogenesis, an activity that appears to be mediated, in part, by the effects of MT on the functionality of 3 cell types essential for these processes: endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and macrophages.
Social conflicts and policy-making in Korea: interpretation of policy failures through a public discourse perspective
Authors: Ha Yeonseob , Joo Jaehyun , Kang Minah , Lah T.J. , Jang Jiho 
Published: January 2010

In recent times, public policy-making in Korea has increasingly led to serious social conflicts. Competing and conflicting interests become publicly exposed in various, usually angry, ways such as wild picketing and disruptive demonstrations. In any society, public policy-making is usually associated with social conflicts, but the level and magnitude of social conflicts and, as a result, disarray in the policy-making process in Korea, have been unprecedented. This article argues that the Korean government’s inattention to public discourse and policy-making strategies is largely responsible for the difficulties it has experienced in recent years. Korean society still lacks an effective decision-making system that could allow effective communication between policy stakeholders and coordinate their legitimate demands. By utilizing a public discourse perspective, this article provides detailed analyses of policy-making difficulties in Korea and proposes alternative ways to reach a social consensus for conflict-ridden social issues. Points for practitioners This article analyzes three cases of policy-making difficulties the Korean government has recently experienced. The three cases are the Radio Waste Disposal Facility siting decision, the introduction of the National Education Information System, and the Korea—US FTA Agreement. The three cases show how the lack of coordinating processes and inattention to policy-making strategies, such as issue framing in the communicative stage, could make public policies adrift. Our analysis shows that, to cope with policy-making problems in Korea, it is necessary to develop institutional mechanisms to incorporate various social interests at the stage of coordinative discourse. Furthermore, Korea needs to develop a more elaborate stage of communicative discourse.
Public financial reporting in true and fair terms — discussion on shortfalls in Germany and recommendations for the reform agenda
Authors: Papenfuß Ulf , Schaefer Christina 
Published: January 2010

International public financial management reform is mainly influenced by private sector accountancy concepts and characterized by a detailed discussion of technicalities. In the case of Germany, a critical assessment of the status quo shows that the public accounting and reporting system cannot meet its primary aims in an appropriate manner despite considerable reform steps. The article recalls the primary aims of financial accounting and categorizes prevailing shortfalls. It examines criteria for the consolidation basis and reporting requirements with regard to public sector specifics by considering risk structures and the strategic relevance of certain assets. In a wider context, it should also help to shift the reform debate back to its core objective: the effective, efficient and sustainable provision of public services. Points for practitioners In order to comprehend the significance of financial accounting, it may be helpful to recall its original, primary aims, thus enabling a steering and information system for government as well as public administration to be regained. Governments fulfil public services which should be provided effectively and efficiently. Public financial management plays a major role in meeting these requirements. Eliminating ‘escape from the budget’, preventing ‘quests for niches in the budget’ and enhancing the information value of the financial statement with regard to public sector specifics are the principal guidelines for any reforms. The article conveys the basic requirements of a financial accounting system and gives critical insight into developments and shortfalls of Germany together with concrete proposals. This provides an opportunity to draw conclusions and avoid similar shortfalls at earlier stages of the reform process.
Goal ambiguity and informal discretion in the implementation of public policies: the case of Spanish immigration policy
Authors: Bastien Joëlle 
Published: January 2010

Policy formation does not come to an end when a bill becomes a law. Street-level bureaucrats also play a role in shaping public policies through their daily use of discretion. Through a comparative analysis of the work done by street-level bureaucrats in two different organizations in charge of implementing the Spanish immigration policy, we examined the relation between goal ambiguity and the use of informal discretion using a qualitative method relying on Lipsky’s theoretical framework. Based on the data obtained through five in-depth interviews with street-level bureaucrats in each of the two selected organizations, we confirm the link between goal ambiguity and the use of informal discretion. Besides, our observations also tend to associate a low level of informal discretion to a high level of engagement toward public service values such as impartiality and fairness. Points for practitioners This article offers a practical methodology to identify goal ambiguity and informal discretion in an organization. It provides tools for assessing their level and monitoring their evolution within an organization, which often constitute mandatory steps when working on initiatives related to the reinforcement of common goals in an organization (e.g. service improvement in terms of fairness and impartiality, achieving consistency in the implementation stage of a policy, managing a ‘change agenda’, etc.). It will be of particular interest to practitioners who are in charge of monitoring difficult-to-measure outputs linked to the quality of the process at the implementation stage.
Modernization routes and relations between political and administrative spheres in Switzerland
Authors: Giauque David , Resenterra Fabien , Siggen Michaël 
Published: January 2010

On the basis of three case studies, the authors attempt to identify changes in relationships between politicians and senior civil servants. Reforms inspired by ‘New Public Management’ (NPM) have been implemented with the aim of creating a clearer separation between strategic activities entrusted to politicians, and the operational or managerial tasks generally under the remit of senior civil servants. By analysing the reforms implemented in three Swiss cantons, the article tests the hypothesis of strategic contingency of political-administrative relations, in particular in view of the different modernization routes selected in each of the three cantons. Obtained using both quantitative and qualitative survey techniques, the empirical results allow us to cast strong doubt on the emergence of greater distance between politicians and the civil service. While our results indicate elements of strategic contingency, no empirical factor allows us to identify greater separation between political and administrative spheres as a result of the reforms. In contrast, politicians and senior civil servants still freely admit their very high level of interdependence in designing, deciding and implementing public policies. Other explanations must therefore be put forward to explain this lack of distinction in the results, in particular institutional aspects.Points for practitionersThis article shows that senior civil servants must be regarded as key players in the definition and implementation of public policies. Admittedly, administrative reform strategies influence relations between political and administrative spheres and contribute towards the development of new dynamics. However, the results of the research presented in this article clearly show that, from a public management point of view, it is hardly reasonable to attempt at all costs to separate these two spheres which are in fact complementary.