bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Location factors of FDI and the growing services economy1
Authors: Riedl Aleksandra 
Published: March 2010

AbstractForeign direct investment (FDI) has increasingly shifted toward the service sector. This change in the industrial composition of FDI and the non‐tradable nature of services may have altered the importance of location factors for investment decisions. To capture potential changes in FDI determinants, a contrasting sectoral analysis is performed. Based on FDI stock data from eight new EU member states for the period 1998–2004, we implement a dynamic panel approach allowing the speed of adjustment to the equilibrium investment level to vary across sectors. Results support our assumption that investment into the service sector, which is characterized by low installation costs, adjusts much faster to its desired level than manufacturing FDI. Thus, government interventions to attract FDI are likely to boost the service sector immediately while having a slower impact on manufacturing FDI. Furthermore, as services are mostly non‐tradable, FDI into this sector is largely based on market‐seeking motives while FDI in the manufacturing sector is also driven by international price competitiveness measured by real unit labour costs.
No significant effect of uridine or pravastatin treatment for HIV lipoatrophy in men who have ceased thymidine analogue nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor therapy: a randomized trial*
Authors: Calmy A , Bloch M , Wand H , Delhumeau C , Finlayson R , Rafferty M , Norris R , Hirschel B , Cooper DA , Carr A ,   for the URISTAT study group
Published: March 2010

BackgroundLipoatrophy can complicate thymidine analogue nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (tNRTI)‐based antiretroviral therapy (ART). Lipoatrophy may be less likely with ART including ritonavir‐boosted lopinavir (LPV/r). Small, placebo‐controlled studies found that uridine (in tNRTI recipients) and pravastatin improved HIV lipoatrophy over 12 weeks. Today, most patients with lipoatrophy receive non‐tNRTI‐based ART; the effect of uridine in such patients is unknown.MethodsWe performed a prospective, randomized trial in lipoatrophic adults with plasma HIV RNA<50 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL on tNRTI‐sparing ART including LPV/r. Patients received uridine [36 g three times a day (tid) on 10 consecutive days per month; n=10], pravastatin [40 mg every night (nocte); n=12], uridine plus pravastatin (n=11) or neither (n=12) for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was mean change in limb fat mass as assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA). With 20 patients per intervention, the study had 80% power to detect a mean difference between a treatment and the control of 0.5 kg, assuming a standard deviation of 0.9 and an alpha threshold equal to 5% (two‐sided).ResultsOf 45 participants (all men, with median age 49.5 years and median limb fat 2.6 kg), two discontinued pravastatin and one participant stopped both pravastatin and uridine. The difference between the mean changes in limb fat mass for uridine vs. no uridine was 0.03 kg [95% confidence interval (CI) −0.35, +0.28; P=0.79]. The respective difference for pravastatin was −0.03 kg (95% CI −0.29, +0.34; P=0.84). Pravastatin slightly decreased total cholesterol (0.44 mmol/L; P=0.099). Visceral adipose tissue measured by computed tomography did not change significantly.ConclusionIn this population and at the doses used, neither uridine nor pravastatin for 24 weeks significantly increased limb fat mass.
Prevalence of mutations and determinants of genotypic resistance to etravirine (TMC125) in a large Italian resistance database (ARCA)*†
Authors: Di Vincenzo P , Rusconi S , Adorni F , Vitiello P , Maggiolo F , Francisci D , Di Biagio A , Monno L , Antinori A , Boeri E , Punzi G , Perno C‐F , Callegaro A , Bruzzone B , Zazzi M ,   on behalf of the Antiretroviral Resistance Cohort Analysis (ARCA) Collaborative Group
Published: March 2010

ObjectivesTo evaluate whether etravirine (TMC125) might be effective in patients failing therapy with current nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), we analysed the prevalence of TMC125 mutations and the possible determinants of genotypic resistance to this drug among sequences reported to a large database in Italy [Antiretroviral Resistance Cohort Analysis (ARCA)].MethodsWe analysed the prevalence of TMC125 resistance‐associated mutations (RAMs) and the TMC125 weighted genotypic score (WGS) together with the determinants of genotypic resistance. A total of 5011 sequences from 2955 patients failing NNRTI therapy were evaluated.ResultsAmong the sequences in ARCA, 68% had at least one and 9.8% at least three TMC125 RAMs, whereas 31% had a WGS>2. Frequent RAMs were Y181C, G190A, K101E and A98G, whereas V179F, Y181V and G190S appeared in <5% of sequences. Multivariate analysis revealed a higher risk of developing at least three TMC125 RAMs associated with both nevirapine and efavirenz exposure, whereas CD4 counts ≥200 cells/μL retained their protective effect. An increased risk of WGS>2 was linked to higher HIV RNA values (maximum risk at >5 log10 copies/mL) and nevirapine exposure; CD4 counts ≥200 cells/μL were protective.ConclusionsThe prevalence of TMC125 resistance mutations in the ARCA cohort was 68%. The DUET studies showed that at least three TMC125‐associated mutations were required to impair the efficacy of the drug and Y181C/V, V179F and G190S had the greatest effect on response. The prevalence of these mutations among the patients examined in our study was low. However, WGS>2 was found for one‐third of our sequences. Previous nevirapine exposure was associated with an increased risk of having WGS>2 (adjusted odds ratio 1.76).
‘Have you had the test?’ A discourse analysis of media presentation of prenatal screening in Iceland
Authors: Gottfreðsdóttir Helga , Björnsdóttir Kristín 
Published: March 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2010; 24; 414–421

‘Have you had the test?’ A discourse analysis of media presentation of prenatal screening in Iceland Nuchal translucency (NT) screening has come to be widely used in antenatal care in many countries. In the capital area of Iceland, which is the focus of this study, 84% of pregnant women underwent screening in 2005. At the time no official policy had been formulated regarding the use of this screening, and very limited public discussion had taken place on the ethical issues related to its use. Although screening has been widely welcomed as a scientific and technological improvement, it may also have unintended consequences, both for practitioners and prospective parents, and for particular groups such as the disabled, which have not been fully explored. The purpose of this study was to examine how NT screening was introduced as a new practice and came to be adopted in prenatal care in Iceland. Using a genealogical approach, we explored the way in which the value and potential drawbacks of NT screening were presented to the public. The data used in the analysis comprised material published from the beginning of 2000 until the end of 2005, such as television programmes, newspaper and magazine articles and booklets written for prospective parents. The findings reveal that the screening was mainly promoted by staff at the specialized clinic where the test was offered, and that soon after its initiation screening became widespread. In interviews, both practitioners and parents of children with Down’s syndrome questioned the eugenic implications of screening and its impact on the lives of the disabled and their relatives. However, the societal response was fairly muted and a critical debate regarding the routine use of NT screening can hardly be said to have taken place. These findings alert us to the importance of promoting critical discussion of new knowledge and technology in health care, particularly when serious ethical issues are involved.
Tax and the Crisis*
Authors: Keen Michael , Klemm Alexander , Perry Victoria 
Published: March 2010

AbstractDid taxation play any role in precipitating the financial crisis? Are there lessons to be drawn for future tax reform priorities? This paper reviews the main channels by which tax effects might have been felt and which may require forceful attention. These include in particular the large tax biases favouring debt finance and, in some countries, investment in housing. The complexities of national tax codes, and the international interaction between them, have, moreover, encouraged the use of complicated financial instruments and international tax planning, reducing transparency. Tax distortions did not cause the crisis – in the sense that there are no obvious tax changes likely to have triggered it – but they may well have contributed by leading to higher leverage and more complexity than would otherwise have been the case. Most of these distortions have long been a source of concern, but dealing with them may be more important than previously supposed.
The Value of Teachers' Pensions in England and Wales*
Authors: Disney Richard , Emmerson Carl , Tetlow Gemma 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe paper examines in detail the value of pension provision to teachers in the public sector in England and Wales, comparing pension accrual under both the pre‐ and the post‐2007 schemes. We find that, at the median, pension accruals under the old scheme rules were worth 14.7 per cent of current salary to members, while if the new scheme rules were applied to all current members this would fall to 11.2 per cent. We find that this reduction in generosity is more than sufficient to offset the increase in generosity implied by rising life expectancies over the last quarter of a century. In addition, we show how the estimates depend on both the shape of the underlying age–earnings profile and the headline pay award. We find that the value of the new scheme rules to Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS) members is similar to the value of the defined contribution pension offered to civil servants, but worth more than a simple, example, private sector defined contribution scheme.
Nitric oxide, derived from inducible nitric oxide synthase, decreases hypoxia inducible factor‐1α in macrophages during aspirin‐induced mesenteric inflammation
Authors: Díez I , Calatayud S , Hernández C , Quintana E , O'Connor JE , Esplugues JV , Barrachina MD 
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose:  Nitric oxide (NO) modulates expression of hypoxia inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1), a transcription factor regulating function of myeloid cells. Here, we have assessed the role played by NO, formed by inducible NOS (iNOS), in the inflammation induced by aspirin in the gut, by modulating HIF‐1 activity.Experimental approach:  The role of iNOS‐derived NO on leucocyte–endothelial interactions induced by aspirin was evaluated by intravital microscopy in mesenteric venules of rats pretreated with selective iNOS inhibitors, 1400W or l‐N6‐(1‐iminoethyl)‐lysine. NO was localized by fluorescence microscopy, using DAF‐FM. iNOS, HIF‐1α and CD36 were localized by immunohistochemistry.Key results:  Leucocyte–endothelial interactions increased at 6 h and returned to normal levels 24 h after aspirin administration. Numbers of migrated leucocytes were similar between 6 and 24 h after aspirin. iNOS expression and iNOS‐derived NO synthesis were observed in leucocytes of the mesentery of aspirin‐treated rats. Blockade of iNOS activity in aspirin‐treated rats: (i) did not modify leucocyte infiltration at 6 h, but reduced the number of polymorphonuclear leucocyte and increased that of macrophages at 24 h; (ii) increased HIF‐1α immunostaining in macrophages of the mesentery; and (iii) prevented the decrease in CD36 immunostaining induced by aspirin in these cells.Conclusions and implications:  NO, associated with acute gut inflammation induced by aspirin, diminished HIF‐1α stabilization in macrophages. Early inhibition of iNOS‐derived NO synthesis, by increasing the activity of HIF‐1 in these cells, may accelerate the clearance of leucocytes.
A multi‐dating approach applied to proglacial sediments attributed to the Most Extensive Glaciation of the Swiss Alps
Authors: DEHNERT ANDREAS , PREUSSER FRANK , KRAMERS JAN D. , AKÇAR NAKI , KUBIK PETER W. , REBER REGINA , SCHLÜCHTER CHRISTIAN 
Published: March 2010

Dehnert, A., Preusser, F., Kramers, J. D., Akçar, N., Kubik, P. W., Reber, R. & Schlüchter, C. 2010: A multi‐dating approach applied to proglacial sediments attributed to the Most Extensive Glaciation of the Swiss Alps.Boreas, Vol. 39, pp. 620–632. 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2010.00146.x. ISSN 0300‐9483.The number and the timing of Quaternary glaciations of the Alps are poorly constrained and, in particular, the age of the Most Extensive Glaciation (MEG) in Switzerland remains controversial. This ice advance has previously been tentatively correlated with the Riss Glaciation of the classical alpine stratigraphy and with Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 6 (186–127 ka). An alternative interpretation, based on pollen analysis and stratigraphic correlations, places the MEG further back in the Quaternary, with an age equivalent to MIS 12 (474–427 ka), or even older. To re‐evaluate this issue in the Swiss glaciation history, a multi‐dating approach was applied to proglacial deltaic ‘Höhenschotter’ deposits in locations outside the ice extent of the Last Glacial Maximum. Results of U/Th and luminescence dating suggest a correlation of the investigated deposits with MIS 6 and hence with the Riss Glaciation. Cosmogenic burial dating suffered from large measurement uncertainties and unusually high26Al/10Be ratios and did not provide robust age estimates.
Effect of anaesthetic agents administered to the mothers on transcutaneous bilirubin levels in the neonates
Authors: Alkan S , Tıraş Ü , Dallar Y , Sunay D 
Published: March 2010

AbstractAim:  To investigate the effect of anaesthetic agents on transcutaneous bilirubin levels during the first 24 h in neonates delivered by caesarean section.Methods:  A total of 168 neonates delivered by caesarean section, during which sevoflurane was used for general anaesthesia (group A), bupivacaine for spinal anaesthesia (group B), levobupivacaine for epidural anaesthesia (group C) and 155 neonates delivered vaginally were included in the study. Transcutaneous bilirubin levels (TBLs) of infants were measured during the first 24 h and compared with each other.Results:  The TBLs in neonates delivered vaginally were higher than those delivered by caesarean section, but the difference was not significant. TBLs were higher in groups A and C than in group B (p = 0.034, p = 0.011 respectively). TBLs were higher in group C than in group A, but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). When the groups were compared with vaginal delivery group, TBLs in groups A and C were found higher (p = 0.03, p = 0.022 respectively).Conclusion:  The route of delivery had no effect on TBL. While bupivacaine was found to have no effect on neonatal bilirubin levels, levobupivacaine increased neonatal biluribin levels, but further studies are needed for definite results.
Healthcare service use in adolescents with non‐specific musculoskeletal pain
Authors: Masiero Stefano , Carraro Elena , Sarto Diego , Bonaldo Lara , Ferraro Claudio 
Published: March 2010

AbstractAim:  To estimate occurrence of non‐specific musculoskeletal pain in a wide population sample of Italian adolescents, and to investigate their use of healthcare services (seeking of medical attention, referral for diagnostic tests and treatment use).Methods:  We investigated 7542 high‐school adolescents (aged between 12 and 16 years) by a structured questionnaire and consisting of personal data, presence of pain, health provider consulted, referral for diagnostic tests and compliance with the prescribed treatments.Results:  In 3399 (45.1%) reported musculoskeletal pain (the most affected sites being the spine and knees), 2525 (74.2%) of whom had sought medical attention. Of the 2525 subjects who had sought healthcare, 1061 (42.0%) had consulted more than one health provider, 2410 (95.4%) had been referred for diagnostic tests, and some form of treatment had been recommended for 2445 (96.8%), but only 1694 (69.2%) had complied with prescribed therapies. The most important factors linked to health seeking behaviour were pain intensity, pain lasting longer than 3 months, injury, interruption to or absence of physical activity and localization in the spine and knee.Conclusion:  Non‐specific musculoskeletal pain is a frequent event in Italian adolescents and that a large number of these subjects consult a healthcare service.
Single‐port appendectomy in obese children: an optimal alternative?
Authors: Petnehazy T , Saxena AK , Ainoedhofer H , Hoellwarth Michael E , Schalamon J 
Published: March 2010

AbstractIntroduction:  The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience with single‐port appendectomy (SPA) in obese children.Methods:  From January 2003 to June 2009, 94 SPA (65 women and 29 men, mean age of 12.4 years) were performed in children with appendicitis. Sixty‐five of these patients were found to have normal weight, whereas 29 were obese. Patients’ records were evaluated regarding operative time, intra‐ and post‐operative complications, initiation of oral intake and histopathological findings.Results:  There was no significant difference in operative time between obese and normal weight patients. In the obese group, one wound healing disturbance was documented. In the normal weight group, there were one post‐operative bleeding and one wound infection. There was no difference with regards to the introduction of feeds following appendectomy between the groups. Histological examinations revealed 15 normal, 32 acute, 21 phlegmonous, 20 chronic and two perforated cases of appendicitis, three neurogenic appendicopathies and one case of enterobius vermicularis related appendicitis.Conclusions:  Our results indicate that the advantages of single‐port appendectomy in the evaluation of the peritoneal cavity, the minimal rate of intra‐operative incidents with this technique and superior cosmetics validate this alternative approach of minimal access appendectomy in obese children.
Activation of MAP Kinase in Lumbar Spinothalamic Cells Is Required for Ejaculation
Authors: Staudt Michael D. , De Oliveira Cleusa V.R. , Lehman Michael N. , McKenna Kevin E. , Coolen Lique M. 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Ejaculation is a reflex controlled by a spinal ejaculation generator located in the lumbosacral spinal cord responsible for the coordination of genital sensory with autonomic and motor outputs that regulate ejaculation. In the male rat, a population of lumbar spinothalamic cells (LSt cells) comprises an essential component of the spinal ejaculation generator. LSt cells are activated with ejaculation, but the nature of the signal transduction pathways involved in this activation is unknown. Moreover, it is unknown if LSt cell activation is required for expression of ejaculation.

Aim
The current study tested the hypothesis that ejaculatory reflexes are triggered via activation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathway in the LSt cells.

Methods
Expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-related kinases 1 and 2 (pERK) was investigated following mating behavior, or following ejaculation induced by electrical stimulation of the dorsal penile nerve (DPN) in anesthetized, spinalized male rats. Next, the effects of intrathecal or intraspinal delivery of Mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK) inhibitor U0126 on DPN stimulation-induced ejaculation was examined.

Main Outcome Measures
Expression of pERK in LSt cells and associated areas was analyzed. Electromyographic recordings of the bulbocavernosus muscle were recorded in anesthetized, spinalized rats.

Results
Results indicate that the MAP kinase signaling pathway is activated in LSt cells following ejaculation in mating animals or induced by DPN stimulation in anesthetized, spinalized animals. Moreover, ERK activation in LSt cells is an essential trigger for ejaculation, as DPN stimulation-induced reflexes were absent following administration of MEK inhibitor in the L3-L4 spinal area.

Conclusion
These data provide insight into the nature of the signal transduction pathways involved in the activation of ejaculation through LSt cells. The data demonstrate that ERK activation in LSt cells is essential for ejaculation and contribute to a more detailed understanding of the spinal generation of ejaculation.
MTHFR C677T, FII G20210A, FV Leiden G1691A, NOS3 Intron 4 Vntr, and APOE ε4 Gene Polymorphisms are Not Associated with Spontaneous Cervical Artery Dissection
Authors: Jara-Prado A. , Alonso M.E. , Ruano L. Martínez , Camacho J. Guerrero , Leyva A. , López M. , Gutierrez-Castrellon P. , Arauz A. 
Published: March 2010

Aims The pathogenesis of spontaneous cervical artery dissection remains unknown. We examined the association between different polymorphisms frequently found in young patients with cryptogenic stroke [methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase ( MTHFR) C677T, factor II (prothrombin) G20210A, factor V G1691A (Leiden), nitric oxide synthase 3 ( NOS3) intron 4 VNTR, and apolipoprotein E ( APOE) ε4 gene] in patients with a cerebral infarct caused by spontaneous cervical artery dissection. Methods Forty-eight patients (27 males) and 96 matching control subjects were recruited. Clinical history, including cardiovascular risk factors, was assessed in all subjects. Genotypes were determined by a polymerase chain reaction with and without a restriction fragment length polymorphism. The genotypes and allele frequencies of the five genetic variants studied were compared between spontaneous cervical artery dissection cases and controls. We also incorporated our data into a meta-analysis of the MTHFR/C677T variant. Results Of 48 patients with spontaneous cervical artery dissection (28 vertebral and 20 carotid), the mean age of the patients was 36·6 ± SD 9·9 years. There were no significant associations between the alleles of the five genetic polymorphisms studied and spontaneous cervical artery dissection. In the meta-analysis of the MTHFR/C677T variant, a total of 564 individuals (231 cases and 333 controls) were analysed; no significant association was observed. Conclusions The results from this exploratory case-control study show the lack of an association between MTHFR, factor II G20210A, factor V G1691A, NOS3, intron 4 VNTR, and APOE ε4 gene polymorphisms and the development of spontaneous cervical artery dissection. Our findings contribute towards a better understanding of the genetic risk factors associated with spontaneous cervical artery dissection.