bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis of vocal cord dysfunction in asthma with high resolution dynamic volume computerized tomography of the larynx
Authors: HOLMES Peter W. , LAU Kenneth K. , CROSSETT Marcus , LOW Cathy , BUCHANAN Douglas , HAMILTON Garun S. , BARDIN Philip G. 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) often masquerades as asthma and reports have suggested that up to 30% of patients with asthma may have coexistent VCD. Diagnosis of VCD is difficult, in part because it involves laryngoscopy which has practical constraints, and there is need for rapid non‐invasive diagnosis. High speed 320‐slice volume CT demonstrates laryngeal function during inspiration and expiration and may be useful in suspected VCD.Methods:  Endoscopy and high resolution 320‐slice dynamic volume CT were used to examine and compare laryngeal anatomy and movement in a case of subglottic stenosis and in a patient with confirmed VCD. Nine asthmatics with ongoing symptoms and suspected VCD also underwent 320‐slice dynamic volume CT. Tracheal and laryngeal anatomy and movement were evaluated and luminal areas were measured. Reductions in vocal cord luminal area >40%, lasting for >70% duration of inspiration/expiration, were judged to be consistent with VCD.Results:  Studies of subglottic tracheal stenosis validated anatomical similarities between endoscopy and CT images. Endoscopy and 320‐slice volume CT also provided comparable dynamic images in a patient with confirmed VCD. A further nine patients with a history of severe asthma and suspected VCD were studied using CT. Four patients had evidence of VCD and the median reduction of luminal area during expiration was 78.2% (range 48.2–92.5%) compared with 10.4% (range 4.7–30%) in the five patients without VCD. Patients with VCD had no distinguishing clinical characteristics.Conclusions:  Dynamic volume CT provided explicit images of the larynx, distinguished function of the vocal cords during the respiratory cycle and could identify putative VCD. The technique will potentially provide a simple, non‐invasive investigation to identify laryngeal dysfunction, permitting improved management of asthma.
Effectiveness of double cervical cerclage in women with at least one previous pregnancy loss in the second trimester: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tsai Yieh‐Loong , Lin Yu‐Hung , Chong Kian‐Mei , Huang Lee‐Wen , Hwang Jiann‐Loung , Seow Kok‐Min 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAim:  To evaluate the effect of double cervical cerclage on the prevention of preterm delivery, and perinatal and maternal outcomes in women with previous fetal loss in the second trimester.Methods:  Between January 2001 and December 2006 we conducted a prospective study in which patients with a previous preterm delivery at the second trimester who met clinical criteria for the diagnosis of cervical incompetence were randomly allocated to receive double cervical cerclage or traditional single cervical cerclage at a ratio of 1:2.Results:  The perinatal and maternal outcomes of the two groups were compared. A total of 17 women were allocated to the double cervical cerclage group, and 34 to the traditional single cervical cerclage group. The single cervical cerclage group had a higher incidence of preterm delivery at <28 weeks than the double cerclage group (29.4 vs 5.9%, respectively, P = 0.0528). The mean gestational age and birth weight in the double cervical cerclage group were significantly higher than in the traditional single cervical cerclage group (35.9 ± 5.4 vs 32.9 ± 7.5 weeks, respectively for gestational age, P = 0.045; 2696 ± 911 vs 2242 ± 1119 g, respectively for birth weight, P = 0.048). No significant differences in rates of neonatal survival (P = 0.241) and neonatal admission to the intensive care unit were found between the two groups.Conclusion:  Our results demonstrated that double cervical cerclage may significantly improve perinatal outcome in women with at least one previous pregnancy loss in the second trimester.
Duration of the second stage of labor while wearing a dental support device: A pilot study
Authors: Matsuo Koji , Mudd Janna V. , Kopelman Jerome N. , Atlas Robert O. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAim:  Developing a method of maximizing maternal expulsive effort should be of great value in reducing the number of cesarean sections or instrumental deliveries. Various investigations have shown that use of a dental support device (DSD) increases the isometric strength of different muscle groups. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of a DSD in second stage of pushing.Methods:  Nulliparous women with an uncomplicated singleton pregnancy course were randomly assigned either to a DSD group or to a non‐device group. Duration of the second stage of labor was evaluated. Rates of cesarean section or instrumental delivery indicated for failure to descend in the second stage of labor were also evaluated. Satisfaction scores for the DSD group were evaluated (range 1–5).Results:  Sixty‐four subjects were enrolled in the study. Cesarean section and instrumental delivery were performed for 12 (18.8%) and 5 (7.8%) patients, respectively. There was no difference in obstetrical and neonatal demographics between the two groups. Among 64 enrolled patients, 38 (59.3%) were evaluated for the second stage of labor (n = 19 for each group). Duration of the second stage of labor in the DSD group was significantly shorter than in the non‐device group: (median 19 min (interquartile interval, IQI, 9) vs 31 min (IQI, 23)), P < 0.001. One patient in the non‐device group required a vacuum extraction for failure to descend. The mode of satisfaction score for the DSD group was 5 (59.3%).Conclusion:  Wearing a dental support device may shorten the second stage of labor, and may decrease the number of failures to descend requiring operative intervention.Clinical Trial Registration:  NCT00629369.
Ethics and medical research in children
Authors: DAVIDSON ANDREW J. , O’BRIEN MIKE 
Published: August 2009

SummaryThe ethics of clinical research is based on several well‐known guidelines and documents. The guidelines vary between countries, but the principles of respect for persons, beneficence, and justice are constant. These principles are reflected in requirements to obtain free and informed consent, to minimize risk or harm, and to not overly burden or disadvantage particular populations. For research to be ethical, it must also be of such a standard, and be conducted in such a manner that it will generate knew and useful knowledge. Children have limited capacity for understanding and may be more open to coercion. Therefore, they are regarded as a particularly vulnerable population, and specific clauses regarding children are incorporated into many guidelines. A key concept in these clauses is the degree of risk acceptable for children involved in research. While it is generally agreed that children require particular attention because of their vulnerability, there is also increasing concern that children in general should not be disadvantaged by lack of knowledge due to reduced research activity. Finally, an increasingly active area of research in children involves genetics and biobanking. Research in these areas raises new and challenging ethical issues.
Context‐dependent reproductive habitat selection: the interactive roles of structural complexity and cannibalistic conspecifics
Authors: Sadeh Asaf , Mangel Marc , Blaustein Leon 
Published: August 2009

AbstractStructural complexity generally reduces predation and cannibalism rates. Although the benefits from this effect vary among environmental contexts and through time, it has been the common explanation for high species abundance in complex habitats. We hypothesized that oviposition habitat selection for structural complexity depends on the expected trophic function of the progeny. InSalamandra infraimmaculatalarvae, expected trophic function is dictated by their sequence of deposition. First cohorts cannibalize later‐arriving cohorts, while all compete for shared prey resources. In a mesocosm experiment, we show that gravid salamanders facing conspecific‐free pools preferred structurally simple habitats (no rocks), while females facing only pools with older conspecific larvae preferred complex habitats (with rocks). Context‐dependent preference of habitat complexity for managing food/safety trade‐offs may be extended from classic foraging patch decisions to breeding habitat selection. These trade‐offs vary with dynamic larval processes such as priority effects and ontogenetic diet shifts, potentially leading to complex maternal parturition behaviours.
Tutor response to implementing an ePortfolio to support learning and personal development in further and higher education institutions in Scotland
Authors: Peacock Susi , Gordon Lisi , Murray Sue , Morss Kate , Dunlop Gloria 
Published: August 2009

AbstractEmergent research indicates that electronic portfolios (ePortfolios) can have a positive impact on the learning experience, but there are significant challenges—pedagogical and technological—which may limit their effectiveness. This paper contributes to research by providing further evidence about such challenges from the tutor perspective and offers suggestions about how institutions may address these issues. The paper draws upon 23 semi‐structured interviews conducted with tutors in a range of subject areas, from Scottish further and higher education. Tutors were positive about the role that ePortfolios could play in the learning environment to encourage personal development and a more reflective approach to studies, assist student transition and, in some cases, support assessment. Concerns were raised, however, relating to moving paper‐based assessed portfolios online, the legal issues of implementing an ePortfolio and the technical robustness and flexibility of systems. Barriers were identified regarding tutors' lack of understanding about personal development and reflection, and their role in the academic environment, initiative fatigue and lack of access to information technology. It was felt that these could be overcome, especially with long‐term institutional commitment, significant staff development and the creation of tutor support networks. These findings should assist academics, staff developers and managers to implement an effective institutional ePortfolio solution.
Is God Beyond Reason?
Authors: Davies Brian 
Published: August 2009

AbstractClassical thinkers such as St Anselm of Canterbury and St Thomas Aquinas insist that God is beyond reason because he is incomprehensible. More recent authors, including Søren Kierkegaard, Karl Barth and Colin Gunton have argued that God is beyond reason since natural theology is an inherently suspect notion. In this article, I first note ways in which all the authors just mentioned may be thought of as agreeing with each other. I then proceed to argue against the critique of natural theology coming from Kierkegaard, Barth and Gunton. My conclusion is that, in one sense, it may be premature to conclude that God is beyond reason.
The Influence of Labour Taxes on the Migration of Skilled Workers
Authors: Egger Peter , Radulescu Doina Maria 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis paper investigates empirically the role of taxes on labour for the stock of expatriates and the migration flows of skilled workers. Given the increasing mobility of labour, especially of high‐skilled people and expatriates, it is interesting to see to what extent labour income taxes and social security contributions determine migration flows. We collect data on personal income tax profiles for 49 economies and the year 2002. In particular, we determine the component of labour taxes which is borne by employers and that which is borne by employees, following the OECD's Taxing Wages Approach. For the latter, we calculate the progressivity of personal income tax rates between the average wage and five times the average wage. This may be interpreted as the tax progression which is relevant for well‐paid workers. Then, we use the personal income tax variables to estimate their effect on bilateral stocks of expatriates into OECD countries and the migration of skilled workers into these countries. Personal income tax rates turn out to have a robust negative effect on cross‐border flows of skilled workers in the OECD.
Proper Names in Early Word Learning: Rethinking a Theoretical Account of Lexical Development
Authors: HALL D. GEOFFREY 
Published: August 2009

Abstract:There is evidence that children learn both proper names and count nouns from the outset of lexical development. Furthermore, children's first proper names are typically words for people, whereas their first count nouns are commonly terms for other objects, including artifacts. I argue that these facts represent a challenge for two well‐known theoretical accounts of object word learning. I defend an alternative account, which credits young children with conceptual resources to acquire words for both individual objects and object categories, and conceptual biases to construe some objects (notably people) as individuals in their own right and most other objects as instances of their category.
Banking Reforms for the 21st Century: A Perfectly Stable Banking System Based on Financial Innovations*
Authors: CHEN NAI‐FU 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTAlthough bank loans themselves are somewhat illiquid because of private information, most of their cashflows are not. Recent financial innovations allow commercial loans to be liquefied via credit derivatives and actual and synthetic securitizations. The loan originating bank holds the remaining illiquid equity tranche containing the concentrated credit risk, private information rent and the ‘excess spread’ that incentivize the bank to continue to monitor and service the loans. Empirically, we find that the average size of the equity tranche is about 3% for the representative commercial loan portfolios in our sample. The liquefaction of bank loans makes possible a banking system that restricts the guaranteed accounts to be backed by 100% reserves and the non‐guaranteed deposits to be backed by liquid securitized loan tranches, while retaining the deposit‐lending synergy. Such a system is perfectly safe without deposit insurance and it renders banks bankruptcy‐remote without sacrificing a bank's traditional role as a financial intermediary.
Common Risk Factors Versus a Mispricing Factor of Tokyo Stock Exchange Firms: Inquiries into the Fundamental Value Derived from Analyst Earnings Forecasts*
Authors: KUBOTA KEIICHI , SUDA KAZUYUKI , TAKEHARA HITOSHI 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTWe search for common factors and/or a mispricing factor for Tokyo Stock Exchange firms. We utilize the Edwards–Bell–Ohlson model to compute the firms' fundamental value and divide this value by the firms' market price to construct a new variable called a ‘value‐to‐price ratio’ (VPR). We find that this VPR variable can generate abnormal returns even after adjusting for the risk factors related to portfolio style differences. To find out whether it is indeed a risk factor or simply a characteristic, we construct return difference portfolios of the high VPR stocks minus the low value‐to‐price stocks and call this portfolio the upward‐forecast minus downward‐forecast (UMD) factor. Fama and MacBeth test indicate that the risk premium for this UMD factor is positive. The best model in terms of the adjusted R2 value is the four‐factor model in which the UMD factor is added to the Fama and French three factors. GMM Euler condition tests reveal that the UMD factor helps to price assets and that the four‐factor model is not rejected. We conclude the VPR variable contains new information content that is not contained in the conventional Fama and French's three factors.
Effect of Price Limits: Initial Public Offerings versus Seasoned Equities*
Authors: KIM YONG H. , YANG J. JIMMY 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we examine the effect of price limits on initial public offerings (IPOs) using Taiwanese data. On average, it takes 6.24 days for IPOs to reach their equilibrium prices in the presence of a 7% price limit. We compare IPOs with their industry‐ and size‐matched seasoned equities (MSEs) and observe higher volatility levels on subsequent days for IPOs than for MSEs. However, the higher volatility decays within 2 days. Lower price limits interfere with trading and lead to higher trading activity on subsequent days for IPOs than for MSEs. We also observe delayed price discovery for both IPOs and MSEs. Overall, our results provide evidence about the effect of price limits on IPOs and generate important regulatory implications for countries imposing price limits on IPOs.
Towards Rational Psychotropic Prescribing for People with Learning Disability
Authors: Clarke David J. 
Published: August 2009

The use of psychotropic medication to treat emotional and behavioural disorders among people with learning disability has been a cause of concern for some time. It has also been the subject of numerous surveys and reviews in a number of countries.The types and uses of psychotropic drugs, and some of the research evidence regarding the prescribing of these compounds to people with learning disability, are reviewed. Good practice is based on maximising the benefits and minimising the risks of prescribing. Criticisms of ‘inappropriate’ prescribing have often been based on assumptions that may not apply in clinical practice, especially when other treatment options have been exhausted. However, few clinicians would dispute the need for better evidence about the efficacy of drugs in the management of behaviours that challenge services.Advances in neurochemistry and psychopharmacology have opened up the possibility of more rational approaches to the treatment of maladaptive behaviours associated with learning disability, based on a knowledge of underlying biological abnormalities and the actions of drugs on specific receptors or neuroregulatory systems. Clinical trials with sound methodology are beginning to appear, but there are many unanswered questions.
Validation Study of Genetic Associations with Coronary Artery Disease on Chromosome 3q13‐21 and Potential Effect Modification by Smoking
Authors: Horne Benjamin D. , Hauser Elizabeth R. , Wang Liyong , Muhlestein Joseph B. , Anderson Jeffrey L. , Carlquist John F. , Shah Svati H. , Kraus William E. 
Published: August 2009

SummaryThe CATHGEN study reported associations of chromosome 3q13‐21 genes (KALRN, MYLK, CDGAP, and GATA2) with early‐onset coronary artery disease (CAD). This study attempted to independently validate those associations. Eleven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were examined (rs10934490, rs16834817, rs6810298, rs9289231, rs12637456, rs1444768, rs1444754, rs4234218, rs2335052, rs3803, rs2713604) in patients (N = 1618) from the Intermountain Heart Collaborative Study (IHCS). Given the higher smoking prevalence in CATHGEN than IHCS (41% vs. 11% in controls, 74% vs. 29% in cases), smoking stratification and genotype‐smoking interactions were evaluated. Suggestive association was found for GATA2 (rs2713604, p = 0.057, OR = 1.2). Among smokers, associations were found in CDGAP (rs10934490, p = 0.019, OR = 1.6) and KALRN (rs12637456, p = 0.011, OR = 2.0) and suggestive association was found in MYLK (rs16834871, p = 0.051, OR = 1.8, adjusting for gender). No SNP association was found among non‐smokers, but smoking/SNP interactions were detected for CDGAP (rs10934491, p = 0.017) and KALRN (rs12637456, p = 0.010). Similar differences in SNP effects by smoking status were observed on re‐analysis of CATHGEN. CAD associations were suggestive for GATA2 and among smokers significant post hoc associations were found in KALRN, MYLK, and CDGAP. Genetic risk conferred by some of these genes may be modified by smoking. Future CAD association studies of these and other genes should evaluate effect modification by smoking.
Chronic antiepileptic monotherapy, bone metabolism, and body composition in non‐institutionalized children
Authors: RAUCHENZAUNER MARKUS , GRIESMACHER ANDREA , TATARCZYK TOBIAS , HABERLANDT EDDA , STRASAK ALEXANDER , ZIMMERHACKL LOTHAR‐BERND , FALKENSAMMER GERDA , LUEF GERHARD , HÖGLER WOLFGANG 
Published: August 2009

Aim  The aim of this study was to determine the influence of chronic monotherapy with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) on vitamin D levels, bone metabolism, and body composition.Method  Eighty‐five children (38 males, 47 females; mean age 12y 5mo, SD 3y 4mo) were treated with valproate and 40 children (28 males, 12 females; mean age 11y 10mo, SD 3y) were treated with other AEDs (lamotrigine, sulthiame, or oxcarbazepine), comprising the non‐valproate group. Forty‐one healthy children (29 males 12 females; mean age 12y 1mo, SD 3y 5mo) served as a comparison group. Height, weight, body impedance analysis, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, calcium, phosphate, two bone resorption markers (receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand [RANKL] and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase 5b [TRAP5b]), osteoprotegerin, and leptin were measured.Results  No child was vitamin D deficient as defined by a 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) level of less than 25nmol/l (<10ng/ml). Leptin, body fat, weight standard deviation score (SDS), and body mass index (BMI) SDS were all significantly higher (each p<0.001) in valproate‐treated children than in the non‐valproate group, as were calcium (p=0.027) and RANKL (p=0.007) concentrations. Similarly, leptin was significantly higher in the valproate group than in control participants (p<0.001), as were body fat (p=0.023), weight SDS (p=0.046), BMI SDS (p=0.047), calcium (p<0.001), and RANKL (p<0.001), whereas TRAP5b concentrations were significantly lower in the valproate‐treated group (p=0.002). Furthermore, calcium and RANKL levels were significantly higher in the non‐valproate group than in comparison participants (p<0.001 and p=0.016 respectively).Interpretation  Non‐enzyme‐inducing or minimal enzyme‐inducing AED monotherapy does not cause vitamin D deficiency in otherwise healthy children with epilepsy. Valproate therapy is associated with increases in weight, body fat, and leptin concentration, as well as with a bone metabolic profile that resembles slightly increased parathyroid hormone action.
EFFECTS OF FOUR ANGIOTENSIN I CONVERTING ENZYME INHIBITORS ON REGIONAL MYOCARDIAL BLOOD FLOW AND ISCHEMIC INJURY DURING CORONARY ARTERY OCCLUSION IN DOGS
Authors: BERDEAUX A. , BONHENRY C. , GIUDICELLI J.F. 
Published: August 2009

Summary—The effects of 4 angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), captopril, enalapril, ramipril, and trandolapril, were investigated on regional myocardial blood flow (RMBF, radioactive microspheres) distribution in ischemic and nonischemic zones and on ST‐segment elevation in ischemic zones during intermittent coronary artery occlusion in anesthetized dogs.The 4 ACEI inhibited plasma ACE activity to an almost similar extent. All similarly reduced systemic blood pressure, an effect related to a decrease in systemic vascular resistance. Heart rate and myocardial contractility were not affected, but myocardial oxygen consumption presumably decreased because of the reduction in afterload. RMBF and their distribution (between epicardial and endocardial layers and between nonischemic and ischemic zones) were not modified by ACEI. Coronary vascular resistance was slightly decreased in nonischemic zones. ACEI had no effect on ST‐segment elevation in ischemic zones. Thus, in this experimental model, all ACEI exhibited the same profile, inducing no change in RMBF and affording no protection against ischemic injury.