bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term follow‐up of the treatment of renal angiomyolipomas after selective arterial embolization with alcohol
Authors: Chick Christopher M. , Tan Bien‐Soo , Cheng Christopher , Taneja Manish , Lo Richard , Tan Yeh‐Hong , Lin Shueh‐En , Tay Kiang‐Hiong 
Published: August 2009

Study Type – Therapy (case series)  Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVETo present our institution’s experience of selective embolization of renal angiomyolipomas with alcohol and the long‐term follow up data.PATIENTS AND METHODSThis retrospective study included 34 patients treated between October 1997 and October 2007 (29 women and five men, mean age 44 years). Of these patients, nine had tuberous sclerosis, 14 were bilateral and 16 were multifocal. Indications for treatment were previous haemorrhage (14), size >4 cm (19) and increasing size over a short period (one). The largest treated lesion was 24.4 cm, and the mean (range) size was 11.9  (2.9–24.4) cm. All patients were treated by selective embolization using a mixture of alcohol and lipiodol. Three patients also had coiling of aneurysms and two patients had additional embolization with polyvinyl alcohol particles. The follow‐up was both radiological and clinical, with recurrence defined as growth by >2 cm or symptoms requiring further treatment.RESULTSThe technical success rate was 100%, with only one significant complication of non‐target renal embolization, with self‐limiting effects. Minor complications included 11 patients with post‐embolization syndrome, all of which settled with conservative measures. The mean (range) combined radiological and clinical follow‐up was 44.2 (12–116) months, with all patients having a follow‐up of >1 year. Radiological success was achieved in 97%, with only one lesion growing by >2 cm. The combined clinical and radiological success rate was 85%, with two patients undergoing surgery, two having repeat embolization and one currently offered surgery due to a recent increase in size.CONCLUSIONOur study provides long‐term evidence that selective arterial embolization with alcohol is a safe and effective method for improving clinical symptoms (85%) and preventing tumour progression (97%) in patients with renal angiomyolipoma.
Corporate Tax Policy and Unemployment in Europe: An Applied General Equilibrium Analysis
Authors: Bettendorf Leon , Horst Albert van der , De Mooij Ruud A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis paper analyses the impact of corporate taxes on structural unemployment, using an applied general equilibrium model for the European Union. We find that the unemployment and welfare effects of corporate taxes differ considerably among European countries. The magnitude of these effects rises in particular in the broadness of the corporate tax base of a country, and the strength of international spillover effects through foreign direct investment. The effect on unemployment is smaller if the substitution elasticity between labour and capital is large, if international spillover effects operate primarily via multinational profit shifting, and with small labour market imperfections. Although the effect of corporate taxes on unemployment may be smaller than the effect of labour and value‐added taxes (e.g. under relatively strong real wage resistance), the welfare costs of corporate taxation are typically larger for most European countries under plausible parameters, especially under strong international spillovers.
The Decentering of the Global Firm
Authors: Desai Mihir A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis paper describes recent changes in the relationship between firms and nation states. Firms are typically linked to the nation in which they began and are considered to have fixed national identities. While firms have reallocated various activities around the world in response to value creation opportunities, they have largely retained their national identities and their headquarter activities have remained bundled in their home countries. This characterisation is increasingly tenuous. Firms are redefining their homes by unbundling their headquarters functions and reallocating them opportunistically across nations. A firm’s legal home, its financial home and its homes for managerial talent no longer need to be co‐located and, consequently, the idea of firms as national actors rooted in their home countries is rapidly becoming outdated. The implications for policymakers and researchers are outlined.
Competition from Low‐wage Countries and the Decline of Corporate Tax Rates: Evidence from European Integration
Authors: Overesch Michael , Rincke Johannes 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWe exploit the rapid economic integration of Eastern and Western Europe after 1989 as a natural experiment to assess the effect of international competition for mobile capital on corporate tax rates. By means of a series of difference‐in‐difference estimations, we show that Western European countries which have been directly exposed to neighbours in Eastern Europe have reacted to the intensified competition by cutting their corporate tax rates by 8.1 to 10.5 percentage points relative to those countries which do not share a common border with countries in Eastern Europe. It seems that this effect has mainly worked through Eastern European countries offering lower wages and less through competition over corporate tax rates.
Does the More Risk‐Averse Investor hold a Less Risky Portfolio?*
Authors: WONG GEORGE 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTWe study the suitability of using absolute risk aversion as a measure of willingness to take risk in the Arrow–Debreu portfolio framework. We define a global measure of risk for the Arrow–Debreu portfolio, which is measured by the sensitivity of an individual's Arrow–Debreu portfolio payoff to the change in the market return. We call this measure ‘conservatism’ and show that the concept of ‘more conservative’ is stronger than that of ‘more risk‐averse.’ A higher absolute risk aversion is only necessary but not sufficient to induce a less risky Arrow–Debreu portfolio. Our results not only challenge the well‐accepted notion that a more risk‐averse investor holds a less risky portfolio, but also suggest a stronger measure – conservatism – for evaluating the riskiness of portfolio.
Genetic Evidence for Complexity in Ethnic Differentiation and History in East Africa
Authors: Poloni Estella S. , Naciri Yamama , Bucho Rute , Niba Régine , Kervaire Barbara , Excoffier Laurent , Langaney André , Sanchez‐Mazas Alicia 
Published: August 2009

SummaryThe Afro‐Asiatic and Nilo‐Saharan language families come into contact in Western Ethiopia. Ethnic diversity is particularly high in the South, where the Nilo‐Saharan Nyangatom and the Afro‐Asiatic Daasanach dwell. Despite their linguistic differentiation, both populations rely on a similar agripastoralist mode of subsistence. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA extracted from Nyangatom and Daasanach archival sera revealed high levels of diversity, with most sequences belonging to the L haplogroups, the basal branches of the mitochondrial phylogeny. However, in sharp contrast with other Ethiopian populations, only 5% of the Nyangatom and Daasanach sequences belong to haplogroups M and N. The Nyangatom and Daasanach were found to be significantly differentiated, while each of them displays close affinities with some Tanzanian populations. The strong genetic structure found over East Africa was neither associated with geography nor with language, a result confirmed by the analysis of 6711 HVS‐I sequences of 136 populations mainly from Africa. Processes of migration, language shift and group absorption are documented by linguists and ethnographers for the Nyangatom and Daasanach, thus pointing to the probably transient and plastic nature of these ethnic groups. These processes, associated with periods of isolation, could explain the high diversity and strong genetic structure found in East Africa.
GPCR Theme Editorial
Authors: Milligan G , McGrath JC 
Published: August 2009

This themed section of BJP includes 11 reviews on the biology of G‐protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and the drug targets that these present, 21 research papers on the pharmacology of a range of GPCRs and Commentaries on four of the papers.Areas reviewed include molecular interactions, particular in respect of hetero‐dimerisation between receptors and other membrane‐located proteins and other key signalling molecules including cAMP and G12/13 proteins and recently de‐orphanised receptors including the Neuromedins U & S and the Free Fatty Acid receptors FFA2 & FFA3.The research papers cover the pharmacology of a range of agents acting at GPCRs, including adrenoceptors, purinoceptors, 5HT, opioid, cannabinoid & PAR‐2 receptors. A group of papers is concerned with the interesting and rapidly developing pharmacology of drugs acting at β2‐adrenoceptors.The reach of GPCRs is illustrated by the range of physiological systems and therapeutic applications involved, including pain, cancer, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, visual and respiratory and central nervous systems.
An improved methodology of the modern analogues technique for palaeoclimate reconstruction in arid and semi‐arid regions
Authors: JIANG WENYING , GUIOT JOËL , CHU GUOQIANG , WU HAIBIN , YUAN BAOYIN , HATTÉ CHRISTINE , GUO ZHENGTANG 
Published: August 2009

Jiang, W., Guiot, J., Chu, G., Wu, H., Yuan, B., Hatté, C. & Guo, Z. 2009: An improved methodology of the modern analogues technique for palaeoclimate reconstruction in arid and semi‐arid regions. Boreas, 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2009.00115.x. ISSN 0300‐9483.This study presents an improved method of the plant functional type modern analogues technique (PFT‐MAT) in which environmental proxies and a moisture index (α, i.e. ratio of actual evapotranspiration to potential evapotranspiration) are used to constrain the selection of modern analogues. The method is tested using high‐resolution, precisely dated palaeorecords (pollen, Pediastrum and δ18O of authigenic carbonate) from Lake Bayanchagan, northern China. The unconstrained and constrained PFT‐MAT produces general agreement for Holocene climate changes, with a wet period between 11 000 and 5500 cal. yr BP and a warm interval between 11 000 and 8000 cal. yr BP. However, there are significant differences in the details of their reconstruction. The constrained PFT‐MAT generally yields smaller error bars for the reconstructed climate parameters than the unconstrained PFT‐MAT. In addition, three prominent climatic events are identified from the constrained reconstructions; namely, a cold event around 8400 cal. yr BP and two warm events around 6000 and 2000 cal. yr BP, which is consistent with other regional palaeoclimatic records. Our data show that changes in tree components correlate well with α variations during the entire Holocene, with the highest tree components and highest α values between 8000 and 5500 cal. yr BP, indicating the dominant role of α in the growth of trees in northern China rather than single temperature or precipitation. The improved PFT‐MAT is therefore an efficient method for quantitative reconstructions of palaeoclimate in arid and semi‐arid regions.
Helicobacter pylori and Clinical Aspects of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Bornschein Jan , Rokkas Theodore , Selgrad Michael , Malfertheiner Peter 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn spite of important new insights into the basic mechanisms of gastric carcinogenesis, progress in the management of gastric cancer has been modest. Some modifications in the chemotherapies used for palliation and strategies for downstaging of the disease prior to surgical intervention are noteworthy. The positive experience with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and submucosal dissection (ESD) for treatment of early gastric cancer has been confirmed and extended. The procedure‐related morbidity and post‐interventional quality of life is clearly favorable compared to open surgical resection in well‐selected patients. New data on Helicobacter pylori revealed that eradication after endoscopic resection of early gastric cancer significantly reduces the incidence of recurrent and metachronous gastric neoplasias. It can further improve healing rates of treatment induced gastric ulcers. Eradication therapy therefore remains the best target for prevention of the disease. Critical is the “point of no return” when mucosal alterations (i.e. intestinal metaplasia, glandular atrophy) are no longer reversible. A population‐based screen‐and‐eradicate strategy for H. pylori infection can at present only be recommended in high incidence regions.
Basic Aspects of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Correia Marta , Machado José Carlos , Ristimäki Ari 
Published: August 2009

AbstractGastric cancer is a worldwide health burden, which is still the second most common cause of cancer related deaths with little improvement of long‐term survival during the past decades. Understanding the molecular nature of this disease and its precursor lesions has been under intense investigation and our review attempts to highlight recent progress in this field of cancer research. First, host‐related genetic susceptibility is dealt with genes involved in inflammation and carcinogen metabolism. Next, role of overexpression of a proinflammatory cytokine (interleukin‐1beta) and deletion of a cell‐cell adhesion molecule (E‐cadherin) are described in experimental mouse models of gastric carcinogenesis. Finally, the role of stem cells in gastric cancer is covered.
Helicobacter pylori and Non‐malignant Diseases
Authors: Furuta Takahisa , Delchier Jean‐Charles 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIt is well known that Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with many nonmalignant disorders such as gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastric polyp, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID)/aspirin‐induced gastric injury, and functional dyspepsia. In 2008, interesting articles on the association of H. pylori infection with these disorders were presented, some of which intended to reveal the mechanisms of inter‐individual differences in response to H. pylori infection, and have demonstrated that genetic differences in host and bacterial factors as well as environmental factors account for these differences. A decline in the occurrence of peptic ulcer related to H. pylori was confirmed. An inverse relationship between H. pylori infection and GERD was also confirmed but the impact of gastric atrophy on the prevention of GERD remained debatable. For NSAID‐induced gastric injury, eradication of H. pylori infection has been recommended. During this year, eradication of H. pylori infection was recommended for patients treated with antiplatelet therapy as well as aspirin and NSAID. It was also reported that for patients with functional dyspepsia, eradication of H. pylori offers a modest but significant benefit.
The Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori and Public Health Implications
Authors: Azevedo Nuno F. , Huntington Janis , Goodman Karen J. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis article presents a review of the literature on the epidemiology and public health implications of Helicobacter pylori infection published from April 2008 through to March 2009. The authors used MeSH terms “Helicobacter infections epidemiology,”“Helicobacter infections prevention and control” to search multiple databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Cochrane Library, EBMR, BIOSIS), and independently searched PubMed using the term “Helicobacter” with “Epidemiology,”“Transmission,”“Prevalence” or “Environment.” Articles without topical relevance were excluded. Two additional papers known to the authors were added. The identified literature is summarized by subtopic: reviews; prevalence; incidence; transmission; risk factors; and public health policy.
Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: O'Connor Anthony , Gisbert Javier , O’Morain Colm 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis article aims to examine current best practice in the field reference to first‐line, second‐line, rescue and emerging treatment regimens for Helicobater pylori eradication. The recommended first‐line treatment in published guidelines in Europe and North American is proton pump inhibitor combined with amoxicillin and clarithromycin being the favoured regimen. Rates of eradication with this regimen however are falling alarmingly due to a combination of antibiotic resistance and poor compliance with therapy. Bismuth based quadruple therapies and levofloxacin based regimes have been shown to be effective second line regimens. Third‐line options include regimes based on rifabutin or furazolidone, but susceptibility testing is the most rational option here, but is currently not used widely enough. Sequential therapy is promising but needs further study and validation outside of Italy. Although the success of first line treatments is falling, if compliance is good and a clear treatment paradigm adhered to, almost universal eradication rates can still be achieved. If compliance is not achievable, the problem of antibiotic resistance will continue to beset any combination of drugs used for H. pylori eradication.
Postictal Elevation of Prolactin Levels After Psychic Auras‐Evidence for Seizure Discharges Involving Mesolimbic Structures
Authors: Hara Sumio , Takei Shigeki , Yokoyama Naohiro , Hara Tsunekatsu 
Published: August 2009

Purpose: The postictal elevation of prolactin (PRL) levels results from the spread of ictal discharges involving mesolimbic structures (amygdala and hippocampus), via the ventral amygdalofugal pathway to the hypothalamus. To determine whether the mesolimbic structures are involved, we measured postictal PRL levels after simple partial seizures (SPSs) with psychic symptoms (psychic auras), and compared them with those after complex partial seizures (CPSs), 80% of which have been reported to show significant postictal elevations of PRL. Methods: Serum PRL levels were measured 15, 30, and 60 min after each ictus. Samples were obtained for the baseline values when patients had been seizure free for 12 h. We regarded motionless stares followed by automatisms as CPSs, and we depended on the patient's description for the occurrence of psychic auras. Results: Seven patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (four men and three women; mean age, 41.4 years; range, 25–70 years; laterality of focus, right: left: bilateral = 4:1:2) were studied. Six CPSs (in five patients) and six SPSs (in three patients) were detected. In one patient, both types of seizures were analyzed on separate occasions. The CPSs observed were either gestural or oral automatisms. The described psychic auras consisted of types such as complex visual hallucinations (n = 4), ictal fear (n = 4), deja vu (n = 2), depersonalization (n = 2), macropsia (n = 1), and distortion of sense of time (n = 1). The total number of psychic aura types was greater than six (the number of SPSs with psychic symptoms) because any single episode had multiple types of auras. That is, the sequences of psychic aura types were as follows: ictal fear→depersonalization→complex visual hallucination; ictal fear→depersonalization; ictal fear→deja vu; deja vu→complex visual hallucination; macropsia→complex visual hallucination→distortion of time sense; and ictal fear‐complen visual hallucination. Postictal PRL levels invariably reached their peaks at 15 min. Mean 15‐min postictal PRL levels (for CPSs and SPSs with psychic symptoms, 45.6 and 46.7 ng/ml, respectively) were significantly higher than the mean baselines (9.6 and 9.9 ng/ml, respectively; p < 0.02. paired t test). Conclusions: In this study, the mean 15–min postictal PRL levels for SPSs with psychic symptoms (4.9 times as high as the baseline) were significantly increased to the same extent as those for CPSs (4.6 times as high as the baseline). Although some investigators assert that ictal discharges confined to the temporal neocortical region can elicit psychic auras, our results are indicative of seizure discharges involving mesolimbic structures in the development of psychic auras.
Surgery for Intractable Epilepsy of Infantile Onset
Authors: Otsuki Taisuke , Asano Eishi , Ito Kenji , Takahashi Hirotatsu , Fukatsu Reiko , Nagano Chiyoko , Yoshimoto Takashi 
Published: August 2009

Purpose: The clinical features and surgical outcome were analyzed in 11 consecutive cases of intractable epilepsy, the onset of which was within 12 months after birth. Case Reports: The onset of epilepsy in the 11 patients, seven boys and four girls, was from day 0 to 3 months old in three cases, 3 to 6 months old in five cases, and 6 to 12 months old in three cases. The types of seizure at onset were nodding spasms in four cases, tonic seizures in five, motionless staring in three, and automatisms in two. Six cases showed temporary remission of seizures for 8 months to 16 years (mean, 5.8 years) and recurrence at ages from 1 to 19 years old (mean, 8.1 years). Five patients were initially diagnosed as having West syndrome and treated with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which resulted in temporary remission of seizures in four cases. Surgery was performed at ages from 4 weeks to 23 years (mean, 12.2 years). The types of seizures at the time of surgery were nodding spasms in one case, falling spells in three, tonic seizures in six, motionless staring in four, and automatisms in five. The pathological causes of the epilepsy were focal cortical dysplasia in five cases, tuberous sclerosis in two, hemimegalencephaly in two, ganglioglioma in one, and an unknown cause in one. The surgical methods were cortical resection in seven cases (temporal lobe in five and frontotemporal lobe in two), callosotomy in three, and hemispherotomy in one. The preoperative neuropsychological examination showed a moderate developmental delay in five cases, a slight delay in four, and normal development in one. The surgical outcome of the cortical resection was complete cessation of seizures in five cases, rare seizures in one, and a 50% improvement in one. A significant improvement in falling spells was observed in all three cases of callosotomy. Hemispherotomy resulted in cessation of seizures. Significant postoperative improvements in neuropsychological evaluation and development were observed in eight cases. Conclusions: Surgical intervention in cases of intractable epilepsy of infantile onset, especially in patients with focal cortical dysplasia, resulted in a good outcome for both seizure remission and postoperative neuropsychological development.