bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrating world cities into production networks: the case of port cities
Authors: JACOBS WOUTER , DUCRUET CESAR , DE LANGEN PETER 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn this article we analyse the location patterns of firms that provide specialized advanced producer services (APS) to international commodity chains that move through seaports. Such activities can take place in world cities or in port cities. The analysis of APS location patterns in port cities provides a good opportunity to integrate the study of world cities into the framework of Global Production Networks. Based upon our empirical findings, we conclude that while port‐related APS activities predominantly follow the world city hierarchy, a number of port cities stand out because they act as nodes in global commodity flows and as centres of advanced services related to shipping and port activities. Based on these empirical findings we address future avenues of research.
Purification of neutral sphingomyelinase 2 from bovine brain and its calcium‐dependent activation
Authors: Kim Seok Kyun , Ahn Kyong Hoon , Jeon Hyung Jun , Lee Dong Hoon , Jung Sung Yun , Jung Kwang Mook , Kim Dae Kyong 
Published: December 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 1088–1097.AbstractCeramide is produced by sphingomyelinase (SMase) and it plays a key role in cellular responses such as apoptosis. In this study, we report the purification and characterization of neutral SMase2 (nSMase2) from bovine brain tissue. Triton X‐100 extracts of bovine brain membranes were purified in nine steps, including sequential chromatography. The specific activity of purified nSMase increased 8183‐fold over the brain membrane fraction. Purified nSMase showed similarities to nSMase2, which had been purified and cloned previously. Interestingly, purified nSMase2 was Ca2+‐dependent and could be activated by micromolar concentrations of Ca2+ under Mg2+‐free conditions. Ceramide generation was dependent upon the calcium ionophore A23187 and was observed in nSMase2‐over‐expressing COS‐7 cells. This generation was suppressed by GW4869, an nSMase2 inhibitor, but not to fumonisin B1, an inhibitor of the de novo ceramide synthesis pathway. The present study demonstrates the Ca2+‐dependent activation of nSMase2.
Proconvulsant potential of cyproheptadine in experimental animal models
Authors: Singh Damanpreet , Goel Rajesh Kumar 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn epileptic patients cyproheptadine is frequently prescribed as an appetite stimulant for the treatment of anorexia associated with anti‐epileptic drugs and for the management of ‘serotonin syndrome’ in depressed epileptic patients. However, the study of serotonergic and histaminergic pathway shows that the decreased neurotransmission of serotonin and histamine in the brain reduces seizures threshold. Since, cyproheptadine interferes with these pathways via antagonizing subtypes of 5‐HT1/2receptors and H1receptor, therefore the present study was undertaken to investigate its effect on seizures threshold, so as to substantiate its use in epileptics. In the present study convulsions were induced in mice by, maximum electroshock (MES), picrotoxin, and pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). Cyproheptadine (4 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered per se and along with clinically used anti‐epileptic drugs (phenytoin 25 mg/kg, i.p. and diazepam 5 mg/kg, i.p.) in different groups of mice, onset and extent of convulsions in these groups were compared with that of vehicle control and anti‐epileptics per se treated groups. Percentage mortality in all groups was also determined. Results depicted a significant increase in duration of tonic hind limb extension in MES and decrease in latency to clonic convulsions induced by PTZ and picrotoxin in cyproheptadine treated groups (per se and along with anti‐epileptics), as compared to vehicle control and anti‐epileptics per se treated groups respectively. Percentage mortality was also increased with cyproheptadine treatment. Therefore it is concluded that cyproheptadine pretreatment reduces threshold, increases severity of seizures and decreases the efficacy of clinically used anti‐epileptic drugs in experimental animal models of convulsions.
Probabilistic measures of efficiency and the influence of contextual variables in nonparametric production models: an application to agricultural research in Brazil
Authors: Da Silva e Souza Geraldo , Gomes Eliane Gonçalves , Staub Roberta Blass 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn a research institution it is important to identify which management practices have influence on production efficiency. In this paper we assess the statistical significance of contextual variables type, size, financial resources acquisition, intensity of partnerships, processes improvements and management change. The analysis is carried out for the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation over the period 1999–2006. The statistical analysis uses a balanced dynamic panel data model. We conclude that only financial resources acquisition is statistically significant. The association with the production process is positive. We also found the two lag inertial components of the conditional FDH to unconditional FDH ratio statistically significant, indicating a 2‐year effort to improve efficiency.
Optimization of quality and operational costs through improved scheduling of harvest operations
Authors: Arnaout Jean‐Paul M. , Maatouk Marwan 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe agriculture sector still lacks the tools and models to enhance the utilization of different resources. This paper addresses the vineyard harvesting problem in developing countries, with the objective of optimizing the wine quality and minimizing the operational costs. Heuristics were introduced to better assign the harvesting days to the different grape blocks that exist in the vineyard's field. The quality of the grapes was a key target as it can transform production from a pinnacle wine to a bulk one. We solved several numerical examples for verification and demonstrative purposes and found that our proposed approach finds solutions that significantly reduce the harvesting costs in the vineyard and considerably outperform Branch and Bound algorithm especially for large problems.
A tabu search procedure for coordinating production, inventory and distribution routing problems
Authors: Shiguemoto André Luís , Armentano Vinícius Amaral 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis paper addresses the problem of optimally coordinating a production‐distribution system over a multi‐period finite horizon, where a facility production produces several items that are distributed to a set of customers by a fleet of homogeneous vehicles. The demand for each item at each customer is known over the horizon. The production planning determines how much to produce of each item in every period, while the distribution planning defines when customers should be visited, the amount of each item that should be delivered to customers and the vehicle routes. The objective is to minimize the sum of production and inventory costs at the facility, inventory costs at the customers and distribution costs. We also consider a related problem of inventory routing, where a supplier receives or produces known quantities of items in each period and has to solve the distribution problem. We propose a tabu search procedure for solving such problems, and this approach is compared with vendor managed policies proposed in the literature, in which the facility knows the inventory levels of the customers and determines the replenishment policies.
Optimality conditions for distributive justice
Authors: Hooker J. N. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis paper uses optimization theory to address a fundamental question of ethics: how to divide resources justly among individuals, groups, or organizations. It formulates utilitarian and Rawlsian criteria for distributive justice as optimization problems. The formulations recognize that some recipients are more productive than others, so that an inequitable distribution may create greater overall utility. Conditions are derived under which a distribution of resources is utility maximizing, and under which it achieves a lexicographic maximum, which we take as formulating the difference principle of John Rawls. It is found that utility maximization requires at least as much inequality as results from allotting resources in proportion to productivity, and typically a good deal more. Rawlsian justice requires a greater degree of equality than utilitarianism, particularly when the distribution of productivities across recipients has a short upper tail, although it is insensitive to the lower tail. It also requires greater equality when there are rapidly decreasing returns to investment in productivity, and ironically, when people have a stronger interest in getting rich.
Impact of Medicare Part D on Medicare–Medicaid Dual‐Eligible Beneficiaries' Prescription Utilization and Expenditures
Authors: Basu Anirban , Yin Wesley , Alexander G. Caleb 
Published: December 2009

Objective. To examine the effect of Part D on 65–78‐year‐old noninstitutionalized dual eligibles' prescription utilization and expenditures.Data Source. Random sample of unique pharmacy customers of a national retail pharmacy chain who filled at least one prescription during both 2005 and 2006. For each subject, we obtained claims data for every prescription filled between January 1, 2005, and April 31, 2007.Study Design. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the experience of a “treatment” group (dual eligibles between 65 and 78 years on January 1, 2005) with that of a “control” group (near‐elderly patients with Medicaid coverage between 60 and 63 years on January 1, 2005) during the first 18 months after Part D implementation.Principal Findings. Expenditures for the treatment and control groups tracked each other closely in the pre–Part D period. Immediately following the implementation of Part D, expenditures for both groups decreased and then leveled off. There were no significant changes in trends in the dual eligibles' out‐of‐pocket expenditures, total monthly expenditures, pill‐days, or total number of prescriptions due to Part D.Conclusions. We find no evidence that Part D adversely affected pharmaceutical utilization or out‐of‐pocket expenditures of dual eligibles during the transition period, nor during the 16 months subsequent to Part D implementation.
Utilization and Expenditures on Chiropractic Care in the United States from 1997 to 2006
Authors: Davis Matthew A. , Sirovich Brenda E. , Weeks William B. 
Published: December 2009

Objective. To investigate national utilization and expenditures on chiropractic care between 1997 and 2006.Data Source. The nationally representative Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS).Study Design. We performed descriptive analyses and generated national estimates from data obtained from U.S. adult (≥18 years) MEPS respondents who reported having visited a chiropractor (annual sample size between 789 and 1,082). For each year, we examined the estimated total national expenditure, the total number of U.S. adults who received chiropractic care, the total number of ambulatory visits to U.S. chiropractors, and the inflation‐adjusted charges and expenditures per U.S. adult chiropractic patient.Principal Findings. The total number of U.S. adults who visited a chiropractor increased 57 percent from 7.7 million in 2000 to 12.1 million in 2003. From 1997 to 2006, the inflation‐adjusted national expenditures on chiropractic care increased 56 percent from U.S.$3.8 billion to U.S.$5.9 billion. Inflation‐adjusted total mean expenditures per patient and expenditures per office visit remained unchanged.Conclusion. The large increase in U.S. adult expenditures on chiropractic care between 1997 and 2006 was due to a 57 percent increase in the total number of U.S. adult chiropractic patients that occurred from 2000 to 2003. From 2003 to 2006, the total number of U.S. adult chiropractic patients has remained stable.
Antidepressant‐like effects of cannabidiol in mice: possible involvement of 5‐HT1Areceptors
Authors: Zanelati TV , Biojone C , Moreira FA , Guimarães FS , Joca SRL 
Published: December 2009

Background and purpose: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non‐psychotomimetic compound fromCannabis sativathat induces anxiolytic‐ and antipsychotic‐like effects in animal models. Effects of CBD may be mediated by the activation of 5‐HT1Areceptors. As 5‐HT1Areceptor activation may induce antidepressant‐like effects, the aim of this work was to test the hypothesis that CBD would have antidepressant‐like activity in mice as assessed by the forced swimming test. We also investigated if these responses depended on the activation of 5‐HT1Areceptors and on hippocampal expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).Experimental approach: Male Swiss mice were given (i.p.) CBD (3, 10, 30, 100 mg·kg−1), imipramine (30 mg·kg−1) or vehicle and were submitted to the forced swimming test or to an open field arena, 30 min later. An additional group received WAY100635 (0.1 mg·kg−1, i.p.), a 5‐HT1Areceptor antagonist, before CBD (30 mg·kg−1) and assessment by the forced swimming test. BDNF protein levels were measured in the hippocampus of another group of mice treated with CBD (30 mg·kg−1) and submitted to the forced swimming test.Key results: CBD (30 mg·kg−1) treatment reduced immobility time in the forced swimming test, as did the prototype antidepressant imipramine, without changing exploratory behaviour in the open field arena. WAY100635 pretreatment blocked CBD‐induced effect in the forced swimming test. CBD (30 mg·kg−1) treatment did not change hippocampal BDNF levels.Conclusion and implications: CBD induces antidepressant‐like effects comparable to those of imipramine. These effects of CBD were probably mediated by activation of 5‐HT1Areceptors.
Positron emission tomography imaging of tissue P‐glycoprotein activity during pregnancy in the non‐human primate
Authors: Chung FS , Eyal S , Muzi M , Link JM , Mankoff DA , Kaddoumi A , O'Sullivan F , Hsiao P , Unadkat JD 
Published: December 2009

Background and purpose: Changes in tissue P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) activity during pregnancy could affect the pharmacokinetics and thus the efficacy and toxicity of many drugs. Therefore, using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, we tested whether gestational age affects tissue P‐gp activity in the pregnant non‐human primate,Macaca nemestrina.Experimental approach: Mid‐gestational (day 75 ± 13,n= 7) and late‐gestational (day 150 ± 10,n= 5) age macaques were imaged after administration of a prototypic P‐gp substrate,11C‐verapamil (13.7–75.4 MBq·kg−1), before and during intravenous infusion of a P‐gp inhibitor, cyclosporin A (CsA) (12 or 24 mg·kg−1·h−1). Accumulation of radioactivity in the fetal liver served as a reporter of placental P‐gp activity. P‐gp activity was expressed as CsA‐induced percent change in the ratio of the area (0–9 min) under the11C‐radioactivity concentration–time curve in the tissue (AUCtissue) to that in the maternal plasma (AUCplasma).Key results: The CsA‐induced change in AUCfetal liver/AUCmaternalplasmaof11C‐radioactivity significantly increased from mid‐ (35 ± 25%) to late gestation (125 ± 66%). Likewise, the CsA‐induced change in AUCmaternal brain/AUCplasmaincreased from mid‐ (172 ± 80%) to late gestation (337 ± 148%). The AUC ratio for the other maternal tissues was not significantly affected. Neither the CsA blood concentrations nor the level of circulating11C‐verapamil metabolites were significantly affected by gestational age.Conclusions and implications: P‐gp activity at the blood–brain barrier and the placental barrier in the macaque increased with gestational age. If replicated in humans, the exposure of the fetus and maternal brain to P‐gp substrate drugs, and therefore their efficacy and toxicity, will change during pregnancy.
The Cold War: Lessons and Legacies
Authors: Halliday Fred 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe collapse of European communism two decades ago appeared to determine, once and for all, the fate of radical socialism in the modern world and to draw a line under the forty years of Cold War that had now ended. In an overview of both the course and end of this global confrontation, and of the legacy of communism itself, this article argues that many of the analytical and social dimensions of the Cold War have still to be adequately addressed, and that, while traditional Marxism has indeed been discredited, the need for critical and, where pertinent, utopian thinking remains as relevant as ever.
Semi-presidentialism, Cohabitation and the Collapse of Electoral Democracies, 1990–2008
Authors: Elgie Robert 
Published: December 2009

AbstractSemi-presidentialism is the situation where a constitution makes provision for both a directly elected fixed-term president and a prime minister and cabinet who are responsible to the legislature. A common argument against the adoption of a semi-presidential constitution by a new democracy is the problem of cohabitation – where a president from one party holds power at the same time as a prime minister from an opposing party and where the president's party is not represented in the cabinet. The concern is that cohabitation creates competing power centres within the executive that are dangerous for young democracies. This article shows that cohabitation has been directly associated with the collapse of a young democracy in only one case. Moreover, by specifying the conditions under which cohabitation can occur, we also show that the threat of cohabitation has been associated with collapse in only one further case. We suggest that this is so because cohabitation refers to a very specific situation that can only occur under a certain combination of circumstances that can often be avoided. Overall, we show that there is little evidence to support one of the most well-known and long-standing arguments against semi-presidentialism. Thus, while semi-presidentialism may indeed be perilous for new democracies, we conclude that it is perilous for reasons other than the problem of cohabitation.
Co-optation and Resistance in Thailand's Muslim South: The Changing Role of Islamic Council Elections
Authors: McCargo Duncan 
Published: December 2009

AbstractDuring times of violent conflict, states may closely scrutinize the loyalty of those who lead minority religious communities. November 2005 saw elections for Islamic councils in Thailand's three southern border provinces. The Muslim-majority subregion had experienced escalating political violence since January 2004. Allegations of electoral manipulation were rife; the elections were proxy struggles between the Thai state and potential opponents. This article positions these elections within wider debates about the nature of the relationship between Islam and the state, in Thailand and beyond. It argues that politicizing Islamic organizations may be a dangerous game for states and elite actors to play.
Focused Vascular Access Education to Reduce the Use of Chronic Tunneled Hemodialysis Catheters: Results of a Network Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Kulawik Deuzimar , Sands Jeffrey J. , Mayo Kelly , Fenderson Mary , Hutchinson Janet , Woodward Cindy , Gore Sally , Asif Arif 
Published: December 2009

AbstractTunneled hemodialysis catheters (TDCs) carry the highest mortality risk for chronic hemodialysis patients of any access modality. Recent data have emphasized that mortality risk decreases when these devices are discontinued. Herein, we present the results of a gap‐reduction assisted catheter elimination strategy that Network 7 employed as its quality improvement initiative to reduce the use of TDCs. Hemodialysis facilities with high catheter rates (>90 days) were identified. Interventions included focused vascular access education, monthly follow‐up and site visits to assist the facility catheter reduction program. The “goal” of interventions was defined as the gap‐reduction of 50% from the baseline catheter rate to the Network mean plus sustainability of catheter reduction for at least 3 consecutive months. Fifteen facilities (n = 891) were identified with high catheter rates (31.5 ± 5.3%) in May 2006. Interventions resulted in a catheter reduction to 12.2 ± 8.5% in May 2007 (p = 0.0001). Five of the 15 facilities (n = 280) achieved the goal (preintervention = 31.7 ± 5.3%, postintervention = 8.7 ± 2.8%, p = 0.001). In May 2007, eight additional facilities (n = 438) with high catheter rates (31.7 ± 7.8%) were added to the 10 that failed to achieve the goal previously. Interventions employed in these 18 facilities (n = 1,049) resulted in catheter reduction in all (preintervention = 31.5 ± 5.5%, postintervention = 16.2 ± 5%, p = 0.01). Five of these 18 met the goal (preintervention = 32 ± 8%, postintervention = 5.9 ± 4.3%). Overall, all 23 facilities (n = 1,329) demonstrated catheter reduction postintervention (preintervention = 31.6 ± 6%, postintervention = 13.9 ± 6%, p = 0.001), and 10/23 (43%) met the project goal (preintervention = 31.9 ± 6%, postintervention = 7.3 ± 4%, p = 0.002). Medical director’s involvement had a positive impact in achieving the goal (p = 0.003). The presence or absence of a vascular access coordinator did not affect catheter reduction. The results of this analysis reveals that an organized approach implemented by an ESRD Network can have a significant impact in reducing catheter use.
Innovation in the Treatment of Uremia: Proceedings from the Cleveland Clinic Workshop: Cellular Therapy of Kidney Diseases
Authors: Imai Naohiko , Kaur Tarundeep , Rosenberg Mark E. , Gupta Sandeep 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe understanding of cellular sources of kidney regeneration has rapidly evolved in the last decade. It is now believed that regeneration occurs predominantly from cells that reside within the injured kidney, with minimal contribution from extra‐renal cells. We now know that improved kidney regeneration seen following exogenous administration of stem cells occur predominantly by noncellular paracrine mechanisms. Of all extra‐renal stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are the most promising stem cell type for treating kidney diseases. There is an ongoing clinical trial evaluating safety and efficacy of MSC in treating acute kidney injury (AKI). Results of this trial are expected to bring use of MSC closer to the clinical realm. An improved understanding of the small molecules that facilitate kidney regeneration and are secreted by MSC will likely result in the development of new therapies for treating AKI. Identification of adult stem cell markers will result in improved understanding of pathophysiology of kidney diseases and could lead to the development of new cellular therapies. Directed differentiation of stem cells into desired cell types such as erythropoietin producing cells will allow selective replacement of lost kidney function. Cell‐based therapies for patients with chronic kidney disease are presently in proof‐of‐principle stage and are expected to evolve in the coming years with improved understanding of stem cell biology. Technological advancement in cellular therapy is expected to provide improved therapeutic options for patients with kidney diseases in the near future.