bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reassessing Fiscal Policy: Perspectives from Developing Countries
Authors: Vera Leonardo 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTOver the last twenty‐five years an anti‐Keynesian orthodox approach has envisaged a prominent role for reductions in fiscal deficits in developing countries. Expansionary fiscal policies have been said to result in excessive expansion of aggregate demand leading to current account deficits and inflation, as well as displacing private investment, thereby inhibiting output stabilization and employment recovery. Moreover, chronic fiscal deficits are supposed to be associated with high and explosive debt/GDP ratios. The purpose of this article is to assess the theoretical adequacy of the orthodox approach in the context of developing countries. The author clarifies some common misunderstandings and finds that none of the conventional arguments against fiscal activism is wholly convincing. At the heart of the debate lies the question of assumptions, economic structure and causation mechanisms. The orthodox stories regarding the macroeconomic effects of fiscal policy very often do not go beyond the simple monetarist assumptions or seek to verify the implications against the existing experiences and empirical data from developing countries.
The Indian State in a Liberalizing Landscape
Authors: Sud Nikita 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTThere has been much discussion recently on the ‘great Indian land grab’, that is, the acquisition of productive land by the government, and the handing over of this land to large‐scale industry. What do these ongoing land transfers tell us about the nature of the state? This article builds a picture of the state in a liberalizing landscape based on empirical evidence. It outlines the role of the state in Kutch during a transfer of 30 km2 of forest and coastal land to a cement manufacturing and exporting operation ‘Karkhana Ltd.’ (pseudonym). Karkhana's experience does not evince a state in withdrawal. Nor do we witness a regulatory state that watches a changing economy from the legal and coercive sidelines. Instead, the case study is able to reinforce heterodox perspectives that place the state at the centre of India's new economy as a close ally of big capital. Taking these views forward, the author suggests that the state's role in this alliance is that of a normative legitimator of liberalization, a buffer in the contentious politics of land, and an institutional promoter of and manoeuvrer through the new land regime. A multifaceted state is indispensable to India's liberalizing landscape.
Loggers, Development Agents and the Exercise of Power in Amazonia
Authors: Medina Gabriel , Pokorny Benno , Campbell Bruce 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTMany believe that Amazonian communities could benefit from the growing market for timber through self‐governed approaches to forest management. However, there is no clear understanding of how communities are to develop such approaches given logging frontiers that are characterized by informal negotiations with loggers and community forestry initiatives that are promoted by development agents. This article reports on research from four study areas in Bolivia, Brazil and Peru which reveals that external players exercise considerable power over communities. First, loggers and development agents impose forest management schemes directly on communities, hindering them from developing their own approaches. Second, paternalistic relationships with loggers and development agents prevent communities from identifying common interests and expressing these through their representative organizations. Finally, loggers and development agents use powerful discourses to shape acceptable schemes in forest management, silencing communities’ voices in debates. Through these different power mechanisms, external agents thwart the emergence of self‐governed community management approaches.
Economic Development and Poverty Reduction in Korea: Governing Multifunctional Institutions
Authors: Kwon Huck‐ju , Yi Ilcheong 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTCombining economic development and poverty reduction is a challenge for developing countries. In the search for mechanisms that integrate both goals, this article examines the Republic of Korea's development strategy, which transformed one of Asia's poorest nations into an industrialized country with low levels of poverty. The authors investigate the state–society nexus in which Korea's developmental state has operated and look at the role of governance for economic development, focusing especially on multifunctioning institutions performing for economic growth and poverty reduction. The article provides strategic suggestions for developing countries on managing effectively within institutional constraints and moving beyond a simple emphasis on good governance.
Managing medical advice seeking in calls to Child Health Line
Authors: Butler Carly W. , Danby Susan , Emmison Michael , Thorpe Karen 
Published: October 2009

AbstractChild Health Line is a 24‐hour Australian helpline that offers information and support for parents and families on child development and parenting. The helpline guidelines suggest that nurses should not offer medical advice; they do, however, regularly receive calls seeking such advice. This paper examines how the service guidelines are talked into being through the nurses’ management of callers’ requests for medical advice and information, and shows how nurses orient to the boundaries of their professional role and institutionally regulated authority. Three ways in which the child health nurses manage medical advice and information seeking are discussed: using membership as a nurse to establish boundaries of expertise, privileging parental authority regarding decision making about seeking treatment for their child, and respecifying a ‘medical’ problem as a child development issue. The paper contributes to research on medical authority, and nurse authority in particular, by demonstrating the impact of institutional roles and guidelines on displays of knowledge and expertise. More generally, it contributes to an understanding of the interactional enactment and consequences of service guidelines for telehealth practice, with implications for training, policy and service delivery.
Bayesian Non-Parametric Inference for Species Variety with a Two-Parameter Poisson–Dirichlet Process Prior
Authors: Favaro Stefano , Lijoi Antonio , Mena Ramsés H. , Prünster Igor 
Published: October 2009

SummaryA Bayesian non-parametric methodology has been recently proposed to deal with the issue of prediction within species sampling problems. Such problems concern the evaluation, conditional on a sample of size n, of the species variety featured by an additional sample of size m. Genomic applications pose the additional challenge of having to deal with large values of both n and m. In such a case the computation of the Bayesian non-parametric estimators is cumbersome and prevents their implementation. We focus on the two-parameter Poisson–Dirichlet model and provide completely explicit expressions for the corresponding estimators, which can be easily evaluated for any sizes of n and m. We also study the asymptotic behaviour of the number of new species conditionally on the observed sample: such an asymptotic result, combined with a suitable simulation scheme, allows us to derive asymptotic highest posterior density intervals for the estimates of interest. Finally, we illustrate the implementation of the proposed methodology by the analysis of five expressed sequence tags data sets.
Controlling the Familywise Error Rate with Plug-in Estimator for the Proportion of True Null Hypotheses
Authors: Finner Helmut , Gontscharuk Veronika 
Published: October 2009

SummaryEstimation of the number or proportion of true null hypotheses in multiple-testing problems has become an interesting area of research. The first important work in this field was performed by Schweder and Spjøtvoll. Among others, they proposed to use plug-in estimates for the proportion of true null hypotheses in multiple-test procedures to improve the power. We investigate the problem of controlling the familywise error rate FWER when such estimators are used as plug-in estimators in single-step or step-down multiple-test procedures. First we investigate the case of independent p-values under the null hypotheses and show that a suitable choice of plug-in estimates leads to control of FWER in single-step procedures. We also investigate the power and study the asymptotic behaviour of the number of false rejections. Although step-down procedures are more difficult to handle we briefly consider a possible solution to this problem. Anyhow, plug-in step-down procedures are not recommended here. For dependent p-values we derive a condition for asymptotic control of FWER and provide some simulations with respect to FWER and power for various models and hypotheses.
Severe blunt trauma in dogs: 235 cases (1997–2003)
Authors: Simpson Stephen A. , Syring Rebecca , Otto Cynthia M. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractObjective –To evaluate population characteristics, injuries, emergency diagnostic testing, and outcome of dogs with blunt trauma requiring intensive care in an urban hospital.Design –Retrospective study 1997–2003.Setting –All data obtained from the University of Pennsylvania – Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital.Animals –Dogs admitted to the intensive care unit for treatment following blunt trauma.Interventions –None.Measurements and Main results –Of the 235 dogs that met inclusion criteria, 206 (88%) survived and 29 (12%) did not survive. Blunt vehicular trauma accounted for 91.1% of cases. Mild hyperglycemia and hyperlactatemia was common in both survivors and nonsurvivors. The chest was the most common region traumatized and the prevalence of polytrauma was 72.3%. Initial weight, vital signs, PCV, total plasma protein, BUN, glucose, lactate, acid‐base status, and electrolytes did not differ between survivors and nonsurvivors. Nonsurvivors were significantly more likely to have had head trauma (P=0.008), cranium fractures (P<0.001), recumbency at admission (P<0.001), development of hematochezia (P<0.001), clinical suspicion of acute respiratory distress syndrome (P<0.001), disseminated intravascular coagulation (P<0.001), multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (P<0.001), development of pneumonia (P<0.001), positive‐pressure ventilation (P<0.001), vasopressor use (P<0.001), and cardiopulmonary arrest (P<0.001).Conclusions –Outcome of severe blunt trauma in dogs treated with intensive care is very good. Despite the high survival rate, several features associated with poor outcome were identified. Neither admission lactate nor glucose was able to predict outcome.
Staphylococcus aureus isolates from blood and anterior nares induce similar innate immune responses in endothelial cells
Authors: STARK LISA , MATUSSEK ANDREAS , STRINDHALL JAN , GEFFERS ROBERT , BUER JAN , KIHLSTRÖM ERIK , MONNECKE STEFAN , LÖFGREN STURE , LINDGREN PER‐ERIC 
Published: October 2009

To evaluate the possibility to distinguish virulent from non‐virulent isolates, gene expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) induced by invasive and colonizing isolates of Staphylococcus aureus was compared. Gene expression in HUVEC was analyzed by microarray analysis after 4 h of infection with Staphylococcus aureus, isolated from healthy nasal carriers (n = 5) and from blood of septic patients (n = 5), to explore possible differences between the groups of bacteria in interaction with HUVEC. All isolates were spa‐typed to disclose strain relatedness. Moreover, the isolates were characterized with DNA microarray to determine the presence of virulence genes and to investigate the potential genes of importance in HUVEC interaction. The expression of 41 genes was up‐regulated, and four were down‐regulated in HUVEC by all isolates. Most of the up‐regulated genes encode cytokines, chemokines, interferon‐induced proteins, proteins regulating apoptosis and cell proliferation. There was no difference in the gene expression pattern between HUVEC infected with invasive or colonizing isolates. Furthermore, there was no difference in the presence of bacterial virulence genes between the two groups. In conclusion, our data indicate that S. aureus isolates induce comparable expression patterns in HUVEC, irrespective of invasiveness or presence of virulence genes.
Management of isolated rectal bleeding in newborn infants: comparison of two time periods
Authors: Maayan‐Metzger Ayala , Schushan‐Eisen Irit , Kuint Jacob 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAim:  To demonstrate the differences in treatment of isolated rectal bleeding (IRB) by comparing two study time period groups and to evaluate whether decreased treatment intensity increased complications during the follow‐up period.Methods:  Retrospective recording of medical charts of 307 neonates with IRB during two time periods.Results:  The rate of IRB in both period groups was similar among term and near‐term infants, but significantly lower among preterm infants in the later period study group. The rate of breast milk feeding among preterm infants increased significantly in the later compared with the early group. Duration of antibiotic treatments and feeding cessation was significantly shortened in the late period study as compared with the early period. The rates of recurrent episodes of IRB among preterm infants were similar in the early and late period groups. No infant developed necrotizing enterocolitis within the episode of isolated rectal bleeding.Conclusions:  Decreased treatment duration to 1 day of nil per os and 2 days of antibiotics was not associated with increased rates of deterioration to severe clinical conditions, nor to recurrent episodes of isolated rectal bleeding.
Potential of endozoochorous seed dispersal by sheep in calcareous grasslands: correlations with seed traits
Authors: Kuiters A.T. , Huiskes H.P.J. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractQuestions: What is the potential of sheep to serve as seed dispersers via ingestion and defecation in calcareous grasslands? Is the presence of viable seeds from dung correlated with specific seed traits?Location: Calcareous grasslands, South Limburg, the Netherlands/Belgium.Methods: Dung samples (n=24) from sheep were collected between September 2006 and November 2007 from five sites with Mesobromion plant communities, and communities of Nardo‐Galion saxatilis. Germinability and identity of seeds in the dung samples were ascertained from germination of seedlings under glasshouse conditions. Seed traits of species with viable seeds in dung were compared with those present in the local species pool.Results: Seventy‐two plant species from 23 plant families had viable seeds in sheep dung. The plant families encountered most frequently were Gramineae and Compositae. The most abundant and frequently recorded plant species in dung samples was Urtica dioica, accounting for >80% of the total number of seeds. Mean seed density in sheep dung was 0.8 seeds g−1 dry matter. Seeds with low seed mass and a high seed longevity index were over‐represented in dung. Viable seeds >2.5 mg were infrequent in the dung samples.Conclusions: We conclude that sheep are potentially important dispersers of plant species in Dutch calcareous grasslands. Although smaller seeds were relatively abundant in sheep dung, it cannot be excluded that this was mainly caused by differences in seed abundance.
Symptomatic Response Rates to Testosterone Therapy and the Likelihood of Completing 12 Months of Therapy in Clinical Practice
Authors: Rhoden Ernani Luis , Morgentaler Abraham 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Despite increasing medical interest in testosterone therapy (TTh) for men with testosterone deficiency (TD) there is limited information regarding subjective response rates and acceptability of medium- to long-term TTh in routine clinical practice.

Aim
To evaluate results in a consecutive series of men in clinical practice treated with TTh.

Material and Methods
A chart review was performed for a consecutive series of men for whom TTh was initiated over 1 year for a clinical diagnosis of TD. A diagnosis of TD was based on the presence of symptoms and on laboratory evaluation indicating total testosterone (&lt;300 ng/dL) or free testosterone (FT) (&lt;1.5 ng/dL). Presenting symptoms were noted at baseline, and improvement was documented in domains of erectile function, libido, energy, and mood.

Main Outcome Measures
Percentage of men who completed 12 months of TTh, and symptomatic response rates.

Results
There were 127 men included in the evaluation. The most common presenting symptoms were the combination of erectile dysfunction (ED) and reduced libido in 82 (64.6%), ED alone in 29 (22.8%), and reduced libido alone in 13 (10.2%). Initial mode of TTh was injections (testosterone enanthate or cypionate) in 70 (55.1%) and transdermal gel (Androgel, Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Marietta, GA, USA) in the remainder. Improvements in erections, libido, energy, and/or mood were reported by 70% of men by 3 months. Eighty men (63%) completed 12 months of TTh with subjective benefit (responders). Treatment was discontinued in 34 (26.8%) who reported no major benefit (non-responders), and 13 (10.2%) were lost to follow-up. Among men who discontinued TTh, 64.7% failed to report benefits by 3 months. Baseline FT was lower among responders than non-responders. One case (1.25%) of prostate cancer was identified after one year of TTh.

Conclusion
Approximately two-thirds of men with TD who begin TTh will experience symptomatic benefit and will complete at least 12 months of treatment. Benefit was noted in a majority by 3 months.
Limitations of relaxation kinetics on muscular work
Authors: McDaniel J. , Elmer S. J. , Martin J. C. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAim:  Positive net work produced during cyclic contractions is partially limited by relaxation kinetics, which to date, have not been directly investigated. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to determine the influence of relaxation kinetics on cyclic work.Methods:  Soleus muscles of four cats were isolated and subjected to a series of work loops (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 Hz cycle frequencies) during which stimulation terminated prior to the end of the shortening phase to allow for complete muscle relaxation and matched discrete sinusoidal shortening contractions during which stimulation remained on until the completion of the shortening phase. Muscle length changes during these protocols were centred on optimum length and were performed across muscle lengths that represented walking gait.Results:  When muscle excursions were centred on Lo relaxation kinetics decreased muscular work by 2.8 ± 0.8%, 12.1 ± 4.1%, 27.9 ± 4.5% and 40.1 ± 5.9% for 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 Hz respectively. However, relaxation kinetics did not influence muscular work when muscle excursions represented walking gait. In addition, muscular work produced at muscle lengths associated with walking gait was less than the work produced across Lo (55.7 ± 20.0%, 53.5 ± 21.0%, and 50.1 ± 22.0% for 0.5, 1 and 1.5 Hz respectively).Conclusion:  These results imply that relaxation kinetics are an important factor that limit the ability of muscle to produce work; however, the influence of relaxation kinetics on physiological function may depend on the relation between the optimum length and natural excursion of a muscle.
Charge Transfer in 1,8‐Naphthalimide: A Combined Theoretical and Experimental Approach
Authors: Manna Anamika , Chakravorti Sankar 
Published: October 2009

AbstractPhotophysics of 1,8‐naphthalimide (NAPMD) in different solvents has been delineated in this paper. Theoretically calculated bond distance of N–H and C=O groups rule out any intramolecular proton transfer in the excited state. Concomitant increase in negative charge on O atom compared to N atom and dipole moment hints at possible intramolecular charge transfer. Progressive redshift with polarity of solvents in emission and absorption spectra also confirms the theoretical prediction. Weakening of N–H bond helps hydrogen abstraction and anion formation in water with decay time of 2.54 ns through intermolecular proton transfer. This was corroborated from the ground state photoexcitation of laboratory synthesized anion of NAPMD. Amide hydrolysis in higher pH and excess proton availability at low pH are responsible for anion emission quenching. A possible electron transfer diminishes phosphorescence at 77 K with changing pH.
In Vivo Optical Properties of Melanocytic Skin Lesions: Common Nevi, Dysplastic Nevi and Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Zonios George , Dimou Aikaterini , Carrara Mauro , Marchesini Renato 
Published: October 2009

AbstractWe present an in vivo study of the optical properties of common nevi, dysplastic nevi and malignant melanoma skin lesions in human subjects. Reflectance spectra were measured on 1379 skin lesions, in the visible and near‐infrared spectral regions, using a spectral imaging system, in a clinical setting. Analysis of the data using a reflectance model revealed differences between the optical properties of melanin present in nevi and melanoma lesions. These differences, which are in agreement with our previous observations on average reflectance spectra, may be potentially useful for the noninvasive characterization of pigmented skin lesions and the early diagnosis of melanoma.
Outta This World
Authors: Riendeau Diane 
Published: October 2009

Some physics misconceptions arise due to the fact that in our everyday world, air resistance and friction are always present. By taking an experiment into a “zero gravity” or “micro gravity” situation, we can often greatly reduce the effect of these undesired forces and dispel misconceptions.
I offer up these links from various space missions because they are “outta this world.”
Special thanks to Jennifer Groppe from Maret School in Washington, D.C., for submitting all these video links. If you have video links you'd like to share, please email them with a brief description to Diane Riendeau at driendeau@dist113.org.