bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low‐Density Lipoprotein Apheresis Decreases Ferritin, Transferrin and Vitamin B12, Which May Cause Anemia in Serially Treated Patients
Authors: Bramlage Carsten P , Armstrong Victor W , Zapf Antonia , Bramlage Peter , Mueller Gerhard A , Koziolek Michael J 
Published: August 2009

AbstractClinical observations revealed an increased prevalence of iron deficiency anemia without chronic bleeding in patients treated with serial low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis. Since several different proteins are adsorbed by LDL apheresis beside pro‐atherogenic lipoproteins, we examined the modification of the full blood count, plasma iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, and hemolysis by LDL apheresis. Nineteen patients (55 (50–59) years, 4 female, 15 male) undergoing chronic LDL apheresis due to mixed dyslipidemia (N = 17), homozygous familiar hypercholesterolemia (N = 1) or isolated elevated lipoprotein(a) (N = 1) were included in this study. They were treated with direct adsorption of lipoproteins (DALI; N = 6), heparin‐induced LDL‐precipitation (HELP; N = 7) or double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP; N = 6). The patients' full blood count, iron metabolism (plasma iron, ferritin, transferrin, transferrin saturation), vitamins involved in erythropoiesis (vitamin B12 and folic acid), and markers of hemolysis (haptoglobin and free hemoglobin) were analyzed directly before and after LDL apheresis. A single LDL apheresis session significantly decreased the levels (reduction in the median [25th–75th percentiles] of: ferritin 9.8 [1.3–18] %; P = 0.004), transferrin (12.1 [10.0–15.96] %; P = 0.0005), and vitamin B12 (17.8 [16.2–20.8] %; P = 0.0005). Thereby, transferrin and vitamin B12 were decreased in all (N = 19) and ferritin in 74% (N = 14) of the patients. Twelve out of 19 patients (63.2%) had mild anemia despite iron administration in 14 out of 19 patients (73.7%). LDL apheresis had no significant influence on full blood count, plasma iron, transferrin saturation, folic acid, or hemolysis. Similar changes were observed in all LDL apheresis methods used. LDL apheresis significantly decreases ferritin, transferrin, and vitamin B12, suggesting an influence of serial LDL apheresis on erythropoiesis.
Apheresis Technologies and Clinical Applications: The 2007 International Apheresis Registry
Authors: Malchesky Paul S , Koo Anna P , Skibinski Christine I , Hadsell Angela T , Rybicki Lisa A 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe developments in apheresis technologies and techniques and their clinical applications worldwide are technologically, sociologically, and economically motivated. As in the past apheresis surveys, the statistics have highlighted both the differences by geographic region in clinical practice and in the type of technologies utilized. While a national view of apheresis is very important, an international view may be more representative overall of this therapeutic modality than national results that are highly dependent on the local economics and the available technologies. These regional differences have provided a basis for scientific and clinical assessment of these apheresis technologies and their clinical outcomes, and have impacted the marketing and business developments of new technologies worldwide. The results of the International Apheresis Registry for 2007 report data from 20 centers on five continents. The survey collected data exclusively via a secure internet website on 1735 patients for a total of 6787 treatments. As with our prior registry for 2005, information on stem cell infusions was gathered. Information collected included patients demographics, medical history, treatment diagnoses, treatment specifics (type, methodology, access type, anticoagulants, drugs, and equipment usage), side effects, clinical response, and payment provider. As in prior International Apheresis Registries for 1983, 2000, 2002, and 2005, the survey results highlight the regional differences in apheresis usage and treatment methodologies indicating that an international overview of apheresis may be more representative of the impact of this therapeutic modality.
Fractal Bubble cosmology: a concordant cosmological model?
Authors: Kwan Juliana , Francis Matthew J. , Lewis Geraint F. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
The Fractal Bubble model has been proposed as a viable cosmology that does not require dark energy to account for cosmic acceleration, but rather attributes its observational signature to the formation of structure. In this Letter, it is demonstrated that, in contrast to previous findings, this model is not a good fit to cosmological supernovae data; there is significant tension in the best-fitting parameters obtained from different samples, whereas Λcold dark matter (ΛCDM) is able to fit all data sets consistently. Furthermore, the concordance between galaxy-clustering scales and data from the cosmic microwave background is not achieved with the most recent supernova compilations. The validity of the Fractal Bubble formalism as a sound cosmological model is further challenged as it is shown that previous studies of this model achieve concordance by requiring a value for the present-day Hubble constant that is derived from supernovae data containing an arbitrary distance normalization.
Cosmological and astrophysical constraints from the Lyman α forest flux probability distribution function
Authors: Viel Matteo , Bolton James S. , Haehnelt Martin G. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
We use the probability distribution function (PDF) of the Lyman α forest flux at z= 2–3, measured from high-resolution UVES/VLT data, and hydrodynamical simulations to obtain constraints on cosmological parameters and the thermal state of the intergalactic medium (IGM) at z∼ 2–3. The observed flux PDF at z= 3 alone results in constraints on cosmological parameters in good agreement with those obtained from the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) data, albeit with about a factor of 2 larger errors. The observed flux PDF is best fit with simulations with a matter fluctuation amplitude of σ8= 0.8–0.85 ± 0.07 and an inverted IGM temperature–density relation (γ∼ 0.5–0.75), consistent with our previous results obtained using a simpler analysis. These results appear to be robust to uncertainties in the quasar (quasi-stellar object) continuum placement. We further discuss constraints obtained by a combined analysis of the high-resolution flux PDF and the power spectrum measured from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Lyman α forest data. The joint analysis confirms the suggestion of an inverted temperature–density relation, but prefers somewhat higher values (σ8∼ 0.9) of the matter fluctuation amplitude than the WMAP data and the best fit to the flux PDF alone. The joint analysis of the flux PDF and power spectrum (as well as an analysis of the power spectrum data alone) prefers rather large values for the temperature of the IGM, perhaps suggesting that we have identified a not yet accounted for systematic error in the SDSS flux power spectrum data or that the standard model describing the thermal state of the IGM at z∼ 2–3 is incomplete.
The hard TeV spectrum of 1ES 0229+200: new clues from Swift
Authors: Tavecchio F. , Ghisellini G. , Ghirlanda G. , Costamante L. , Franceschini A. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
The BL Lac object 1ES 0229+200 (z= 0.14) has been detected by the High Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS) during observations taking place in 2005–2006. The TeV spectrum, when corrected for the absorption of gamma-ray photons through the interaction with the extragalactic background light, is extremely hard, even if the most conservative level for the background is considered. The case of 1ES 0229+200 is very similar to that of 1ES 1101−232, for which a possible explanation, in the framework of the standard one-zone synchrotron-self Compton (SSC) model, is that the high-energy emission is SSC radiation of electrons distributed as a power law with a large value of the minimum energy. In this scenario, the hard TeV spectrum is accompanied by a very hard synchrotron continuum below the soft X-ray band. We will show that recent Swift observations of 1ES 0229+200 in the critical UV X-ray band support this model, showing the presence of the expected spectral break and hard continuum between the UV and the X-ray bands.
Abstain or Rebel: Corruption Perceptions and Voting in East European Elections
Authors: KOSTADINOVA TATIANA 
Published: August 2009

This paper argues that corruption, threatening democratic governance in the new democracies of Eastern Europe, is another influential determinant of voter turnout. I hypothesize that its impact is complex in that it generates distinct incentives for participation. A recursive model of voting specifies a direct effect where voters get mobilized to bring to power politicians of greater integrity, and an indirect effect in which perceptions of corruption corrode faith in the democratic process and consequently, depress voting. The analysis uses CSES survey data from eight post‐communist countries and the results provide empirical support for the theoretical model. The results also suggest that at least in 2001‐05, the two opposing incentives for voting balanced each other out, with a slight gain for the mobilization effect.Este artículo argumenta que la amenaza de la corrupción dentro de los gobiernos democráticos de Europa del Este es un factor influyente en la participación de votantes. Planteo que su impacto es complejo puesto que genera incentivos contrapuestos para la participación. Un modelo de voto recursivo especifica un efecto directo donde los votantes se movilizan para llevar al poder a los políticos de mayor integridad, y un efecto indirecto en el cual las percepciones de corrupción corroen la fe en el proceso democrático y en consecuencia, reduce el voto. El análisis utiliza la investigación de datos del Estudio Comparativo de los Sistemas Electorales (CSES, por sus siglas en inglés) de ocho países post‐comunistas y los resultados proveen el respaldo empírico para el modelo teórico. Los resultados sugieren también que por lo menos en 2001‐05, los dos incentivos opuestos para el voto se equilibran mutuamente, con un ligero triunfo del efecto de la movilización.
Post‐Communist Mandates
Authors: LIPSMEYER CHRISTINE S. 
Published: August 2009

The fulfillment of electoral mandates is a fundamental link between voters and their representatives. The absence of this link in newly democratizing countries may be a sign of poorly functioning democracies. This paper investigates this relationship in ten new democracies in Eastern Europe. I argue that governments are fulfilling their campaign promises, but they are doing so in a manner different from what has been found in established democracies. When testing my theory across economic reform, I find that the policies governments implement correspond with the dominant division between political parties. Unlike some previous research that finds new democracies do not follow through on their campaign promises, I conclude that governments are fulfilling their mandates.El cumplimiento de los mandatos electorales es un vínculo fundamental entre los votantes y sus representantes. La ausencia de dicho vínculo en los países con nuevas democracias podría ser una señal del pobre funcionamiento de la misma. Este artículo investiga dicha relación en diez nuevas democracias de Europa del Este. Sostengo que los gobiernos están cumpliendo sus promesas de campaña, pero lo están haciendo de diferente manera a lo que puede ser observado en democracias establecidas. Cuando confronto mi teoría ante el periodo de reforma económica, encuentro que las políticas que el gobierno implementa corresponden a las divisiones dominantes entre los partidos políticos. A diferencia de trabajos de investigación previos que encuentran que las nuevas democracias no llevan a cabo las promesas de campaña, concluyo que los gobiernos están concretándolas durante sus mandatos.
Toward a More Useful Conceptualization of Populism: Types and Degrees of Populist Appeals in the Case of Slovakia
Authors: DEEGAN‐KRAUSE KEVIN , HAUGHTON TIM 
Published: August 2009

Shifting our understanding of populism from a question of core identity to a description of party appeals allows for a neutralization of the term's negative connotations by allowing that all parties may use populist appeals to some extent. It is then possible to address a party's use of populist appeals by measuring its distinctly nonpopulist appeals, which are usually less bound up with normative judgments. Although the preliminary analysis of Slovakia shows a relatively close empirical fit among the theoretical elements in the existing literature, two categories of populist appeals are identified: the outward‐looking appeals that vary strongly with a party's relationship to power, and inward‐looking appeals that remain more stable over time. Use of these by politicians may offer clues to the origination, attractiveness, and longevity of populist and nonpopulist appeals.Cambiar nuestro entendimiento del populismo desde la cuestión de identidad a una que se enfoca en los llamados partidistas nos permite neutralizar la connotación negativa del término populismo puesto que nos lleva a reconocer que todos los partidos recurren a los llamados populistas en una medida u otra. Es entonces posible establecer el uso de los atractivos del populismo por parte del partido al medir sus atractivos no‐populistas, los cuales usualmente están menos vinculados con opiniones normativas. Aunque el análisis preliminar de Eslovaquia demuestra un ajuste empírico perfecto relativamente cerrado entre los elementos teóricos en la literatura existente, dos categorías de las características populistas son identificadas: los atractivos observados en el exterior que varían fuertemente con la relación del partido con el poder y los atractivos observados en el interior que permanecen mucho más estables a través del tiempo. El uso de éstos por los políticos puede ofrecer claves para el origen, atractivo, y longevidad de los atractivos populistas y no‐populistas.
Cryptic population genetic structure: the number of inferred clusters depends on sample size
Authors: FOGELQVIST JOHAN , NIITTYVUOPIO ANNE , ÅGREN JON , SAVOLAINEN OUTI , LASCOUX MARTIN 
Published: August 2009

AbstractClustering methods have been used extensively to unravel cryptic population genetic structure. We investigated the effect of the number of individuals sampled in each location on the resulting number of clusters. Our study was motivated by recent results in Arabidopsis thaliana: studies in which more than one individual was sampled per location apparently have led to a much higher number of clusters than studies where only one individual was sampled in each location, as is generally done in this species. We show, using computer simulations and microsatellite data in A. thaliana, that the number of sampled individuals indeed has a strong impact on the number of resulting clusters. This effect is smaller if the sampled populations have a hierarchical structure. In most cases, sampling 5–10 individuals per population should be enough. The results argue for abandoning the concept of ‘accessions’ in partially selfing organisms.
Significant improvements in near vision, reading speed, central visual field and related quality of life after ranibizumab treatment of wet age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Frennesson Christina , Nilsson Ulla L. , Peebo Beatrice B. , Nilsson Sven E. G. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract.Purpose:  To investigate the effects on near visual acuity, reading speed, central visual field and related quality of life of ranibizumab treatment of wet age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).Methods:  The study was a prospective, non‐comparative consecutive case series, followed for 3 months and investigator‐driven. Thirty eyes of 30 patients with wet AMD were included, mean age 75 years (range 69–95 years). In addition to a full ophthalmological examination – including best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA; Early Treatment Diabetic Research Study chart), fundus biomicroscopy, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography (occult cases) and ocular coherence tomography – near visual acuity, reading speed, central visual field and quality of life for related activities were also investigated at baseline and at 3 months after ranibizumab treatment.Results:  Mean BCVA increased from 62 ± 11 to 66 ± 14 letters at 3 months (7%; p = 0.018). Near vision improved from 9 ± 5 to 6 ± 3 points (33%; p = 0.0006) and reading speed increased from 59 ± 40 to 85 ± 50 words/min (44%; p < 0.0001). The mean deviation from normal of the visual field improved from −9 ± 7 to −6 ± 5 dB (33%; p < 0.0001). Quality of life improved for distance activities from 54 ± 28 to 63 ± 28 points (17%; p < 0.0001) but significantly (p = 0.024) more for near activities, from 49 ± 26 to 63 ± 26 points (29%; p < 0.0001). Reading newspaper text in the group in which the better eye was treated showed the highest increase in quality of life score of all: 116%.Conclusion:  The increase in BCVA after ranibizumab treatment is well established. The present study also showed significant improvements in other important visual qualities, such as near visual acuity, reading speed, central visual field and several activities influencing quality of life. The improvement was greater for near activities than for distance activities. Therefore, the beneficial effects of ranibizumab treatment shown here are more extensive than those reported previously.
Combination Chemotherapy with Continuousl‐Asparaginase, Lomustine, and Prednisone for Relapsed Canine Lymphoma
Authors: Saba C.F. , Hafeman S.D. , Vail D.M. , Thamm D.H. 
Published: August 2009

Background:The combination of lomustine,l‐asparaginase, and prednisone (LAP) is an effective rescue treatment for canine lymphoma (LSA). In a previous study, we reported that remission was typically lost around the timel‐asparaginase was discontinued.Hypothesis:Use ofl‐asparaginase with each lomustine treatment will be well tolerated and efficacious as a rescue therapy for canine LSA.Animals:Forty‐eight client‐owned dogs with cytologically confirmed multicentric LSA whose disease had relapsed after a cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone‐based chemotherapy protocol were included.Methods:Lomustine was administered orally at 3‐week intervals, concurrently with subcutaneous or intramuscularl‐asparaginase for a total of 5 doses or until disease progression. Prednisone was administered at a tapering dose for the duration of the protocol.Results:The overall response rate (ORR) for dogs treated with this protocol was 77%, with 65% achieving a complete response (CR). The median time to progression (TTP) was 70 days. Based on loose comparison, these findings are not significantly different from our previously reported historical control. The actual CCNU dosage administered did not affect response rate or remission duration.Conclusions/Clinical Importance:These findings support previous data concluding that the LAP protocol is a viable rescue treatment option for dogs with LSA. However, results from this study suggest that continued use ofl‐asparaginase with each lomustine treatment does not significantly increase remission duration and toxicity appears greater.
Remission of Histiocytic Ulcerative Colitis in Boxer Dogs Correlates with Eradication of Invasive Intramucosal Escherichia coli
Authors: Mansfield C.S. , James F.E. , Craven M. , Davies D.R. , O'Hara A.J. , Nicholls P.K. , Dogan B. , MacDonough S.P. , Simpson K.W. 
Published: August 2009

Background: Historically, histiocytic ulcerative (HUC) (or granulomatous) colitis of Boxer dogs was considered an idiopathic immune‐mediated disease with a poor prognosis. Recent reports of dramatic responses to enrofloxacin and the discovery of invasive Escherichia coli within the colonic mucosa of affected Boxer dogs support an infectious etiology.Hypothesis: Invasive E. coli is associated with colonic inflammation in Boxer dogs with HUC, and eradication of intramucosal E. coli correlates with clinical and histologic remission.Animals: Seven Boxer dogs with HUC.Methods: Prospective case series. Colonic biopsies were obtained at initial evaluation in 7 dogs, and in 5 dogs after treatment with enrofloxacin. Biopsies were evaluated by standardized histopathology, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with probes to eubacteria and E. coli.Results: Intramucosal E. coli was present in colonic biopsies of 7/7 Boxers with HUC. Clinical response was noted in all dogs within 2 weeks of enrofloxacin (7±3.06 mg/kg q24 h, for 9.5±3.98 weeks) and was sustained in 6 dogs (median disease‐free interval to date of 47 months, range 17–62). FISH was negative for E. coli in 4/5 dogs after enrofloxacin. E. coli resistant to enrofloxacin were present in the FISH‐positive dog that relapsed.Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: The correlation between clinical remission and the eradication of mucosally invasive E. coli during treatment with enrofloxacin supports the causal involvement of E. coli in the development of HUC in susceptible Boxer dogs. A poor response to enrofloxacin treatment might be due to colonization with enrofloxacin‐resistant E. coli.
Transcatheter Atrial Septal Defect Closure with the AMPLATZER® Atrial Septal Occluder in 13 Dogs: Short‐ and Mid‐Term Outcome
Authors: Gordon S.G. , Miller M.W. , Roland R.M. , Saunders A.B. , Achen S.E. , Drourr L.T. , Nelson D.A. 
Published: August 2009

Background: Transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) closure in the dog was first reported in 2005.Objectives: Describe the technique and both short‐ and mid‐term outcome of transcatheter ASD closure with the Amplatzer® atrial septal occluder (ASO).Animals: Thirteen client‐owned dogs with ASD.Methods: Records of the initial 13 dogs in which transcatheter ASD closure was attempted at Texas A&M University were reviewed.Results: All dogs had hemodynamically relevant septum secundum ASD. Two dogs had concurrent congenital abnormalities. ASOs were deployed in 13 dogs and released in 12. Eleven were released by a right jugular approach and 1 by a transatrial approach through a right lateral thoracotomy. Transthoracic echocardiographic estimates of ASD size were 14.0 ± 5.4 mm (mean ± 1 standard deviation) with a range of 7–22 mm. Accidental right atrial release occurred in 1 dog and embolization after release occurred in 2 dogs. Transcatheter ASD closure was successful in 10 dogs. Transthoracic color Doppler echocardiography the day after ASD closure indicated complete occlusion in 5 dogs, trivial to mild residual shunting in 4 dogs, and moderate residual shunting in 1 dog. Follow‐up echocardiograms (mean of 12.4 ± 7.4 months postprocedure) were available for 9 dogs. There was no residual ASD shunting in 6 dogs. In 3 of the 5 dogs with postoperative residual shunting it was judged to be decreased and hemodynamically unimportant relative to the dogs' postoperative evaluations. The mean length of event‐free survival in the 10 dogs that underwent successful transcatheter ASD closure was 22.2 ± 10.2 months.