bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychological and psychiatric factors as predictors for success in sacral neuromodulation treatment
Authors: Marcelissen Tom A.T. , Leong Randall K. , Nieman Fred H.M. , van Lankveld Jacques J.D.M. , van Kerrebroeck Philip E.V. , de Wachter Stefan G.G. 
Published: August 2011

Study Type – Therapy (preference)Level of Evidence 4What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a well‐established treatment for patients with chronic LUTS. The selection of eligible candidates could be improved by identifying factors that can predict a successful response. In the present study, we evaluated the role of various psychological and psychiatric factors in relation to SNM treatment.OBJECTIVE• To evaluate if psychological and psychiatric factors can predict the outcome of test stimulation or permanent treatment with sacral neuromodulation (SNM).PATIENTS AND METHODS• Between 2006 and 2009, patients with overactive bladder syndrome or non‐obstructive urinary retention who were eligible for test stimulation were included.• All patients completed the Amsterdam Biographic Questionnaire (ABQ), which measures the personality traits of the patient, and the Symptom Check‐List‐90‐Revised (SCL‐90‐R), which is a screening instrument for neuroticism, and for current level of complaints.• The results of the questionnaires were compared with the outcomes of test stimulation and permanent treatment.• In addition to the questionnaires, we also included the psychiatric history as a potential predictive factor.RESULTS• On univariate analysis there was no relationship between the psychological characteristics and the outcome of test stimulation or the occurrence of adverse events (AEs) with permanent treatment.• A history of psychiatric disease was not related to the outcome of test stimulation, but was shown to be a positive predictor for the occurrence of AEs with permanent SNM treatment.CONCLUSIONS• In the present study there was no evidence that psychological screening with the ABQ or SCL‐90‐R can predict the outcome of SNM treatment.• Patients with a medical history of psychiatric disease appear to be more likely to encounter AEs with permanent SNM treatment.
Time‐dependent changes in bladder function and plantar sensitivity in a rat model of fibromyalgia syndrome induced by hydrochloric acid injection into the gluteus
Authors: Furuta Akira , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Honda Mariko , Koike Yusuke , Naruoka Takehito , Asano Koji , Chancellor Michael , Egawa Shin , Yoshimura Naoki 
Published: August 2011

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?Bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) often occur concomitantly. In this study, we found that somatic (gluteus)‐to‐visceral (bladder) cross sensitization might underlie bladder hypersensitivity in patients with FMS.OBJECTIVE• To examine the correlation between muscular pain and bladder hypersensitivity in order to clarify the pathogenesis of comorbidity of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis with other chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).MATERIALS AND METHODS• Under isoflurane anaesthesia, 0.2 mL of hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution (pH 4.0) was injected into the bilateral gluteus muscles of female Sprague–Dawley rats to produce an FMS model, as the gluteus is one of the specific tender points in patients with FMS. Control rats received saline injection (0.2 mL).• The mechanical sensitivity of the plantar was evaluated using the mean number of bilateral hindlimb withdrawals in response to tactile stimulation with a 2.0‐g von Frey filament at 1, 2 and 3 weeks after the HCl injection.• In a separate rat group, cystometry was performed with the rats awake during saline infusion (0.06 mL/min) into the bladder before and after 1% lidocaine injection (0.2 mL) into the bilateral gluteus 1, 2 and 3 weeks after the HCl injection.RESULTS• The mean number of hindlimb withdrawals was significantly higher in FMS rats than in controls at 1 and 2 weeks.• Using cystometry, we found that the intercontraction interval (ICI) and voided volume (VV) were significantly lower in FMS rats than in controls at 1 and 2 weeks. In addition, the voiding threshold pressure, ICI and VV were significantly higher after lidocaine injection in FMS rats, but not in controls, at 1 and 2 weeks.CONCLUSIONS• HCl injection (pH 4.0) into the gluteus can induce plantar hypersensitivity and urinary frequency for up to 2 weeks after the injection, suggesting that somatic (gluteus)‐to‐visceral (bladder) cross‐sensitization might underlie bladder hypersensitivity in patients with FMS.• Moreover, intervention at specific tender points outside the bladder could be effective in treating urinary frequency because lidocaine injection into the gluteus normalized bladder function in FMS rats for up to 2 weeks.
A Survey of Specularity Removal Methods
Authors: Artusi Alessandro , Banterle Francesco , Chetverikov Dmitry 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe separation of reflection components is an important issue in computer graphics, computer vision and image processing. It provides useful information for the applications that need consistent object surface appearance, such as stereo reconstruction, visual recognition, tracking, objects re‐illumination and dichromatic editing. In this paper we will present a brief survey of recent advances in separation of reflection components, also known as specularity (highlights) removal. Several techniques that try to tackle the problem from different points of view have been proposed so far. In this survey, we will overview these methods and we will present a critical analysis of their benefits and drawbacks.
China and East Asian Regionalism
Authors: JiangYu Wang 
Published: August 2011

AbstractEast Asia is steadfastly marching towards regional economic integration through a number of regional trade agreements (RTAs) and China is a major driving force behind this movement. This paper analyses China's RTAs and their impact on regionalism in Asia. It addresses the criticisms that China's RTAs are politically but not economically driven, that China's RTAs create the hub‐and‐spoke bilateralism and that China's RTAs are not World Trade Organization consistent. It discusses China's position on East Asian regionalism, pointing out that China wishes East Asia to pursue regionalism on multi‐track and at multi‐speed, that China tends to ‘do easy things first’ with low integration and liberalisation and then gradually move to deeper liberalisation and integration and that China's definition of ‘open regionalism’ does not include outside countries such as the USA and the EU. The paper makes suggestions for improving China's RTAs in the interest of establishing an East Asia free trade agreement.
CARICOM: Regional Integration in a Post‐Colonial World
Authors: O'Brien Derek 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThis article argues that the distinctive form of economic integration within the Commonwealth Caribbean can best be understood if account is taken of the imprint of colonial rule both upon relations between these former colonies and upon the political consciousness of the region's leaders. The legacy of colonial rule, including the abortive attempt at a West Indies Federation, resulted not only in a profound mistrust of any form of political union but also established the ideal of island self‐government as the centre of the region's political culture. This is clearly manifest in the institutional structure and governance of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM), which is based on the principles of intergovernmentalism. Notwithstanding some recent changes to that institutional structure, such as the introduction of the Caribbean Court of Justice, Member States remain firmly committed to the pursuit of regional integration through cooperation and association without any transfer of their sovereign decision‐making powers. It will be argued, however, that this will not only make it increasingly difficult to achieve the economic objectives of CARICOM, but will also make it increasingly difficult to maintain the fragile sense of regional unity, originally forged in the crucible of colonial rule, in a post‐colonial world as new alliances both within and without the region begin to emerge.
MERCOSUR: What You See Is Not (Always) What You Get
Authors: Gardini Gian Luca 
Published: August 2011

AbstractTwenty years after its creation MERCOSUR is not a common market yet; its regional parliament has virtually no competence; its first enlargement has been pending ratification for five years. However, MERCOSUR has delivered democratic stability, increased trade flows and international visibility to its members. This article proposes a historical‐institutionalist approach to reconcile more and less optimistic appraisals. The historical component suggests that MERCOSUR has evolved according to the evolution of national interests and agendas. The institutional component suggests that the limited and peculiar institutionalisation affects MERCOSUR's functionality and prospects. The article first reviews the historical evolution of MERCOSUR, then concentrates on the current agenda including the accession of Venezuela, the question of the regional parliament and the completion of the customs union, and finally explores the challenges that competing regional blocs pose to MERCOSUR. The conclusion suggests that institutional deepening might take place via parliamentary and judicial developments.
Legal Integration in the Andes: Law‐Making by the Andean Tribunal of Justice
Authors: Alter Karen J. , Helfer Laurence R. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe Andean Tribunal of Justice (ATJ) is a copy of the European Court of Justice (ECJ), and the third most active international court. This paper reviews our findings based on an original coding of all ATJ preliminary rulings from 1984 to 2007, and over 40 interviews in the region. We then compare Andean and European jurisprudence in three key areas: whether the Tribunals treat the founding integration treaties as constitutions for their respective communities, whether the ATJ and ECJ have implied powers for community institutions that are not expressly enumerated in the founding treaties and how the Tribunals conceive of the relationship between community law and other international agreements that are binding on the Member States.
The Stage Life: promoting the inclusion of young people through participatory arts
Authors: Stickley Theodore , Crosbie Brian , Hui Ada 
Published: August 2011

Accessible summary
This article is about research with young people with learning disabilities who took part in music and drama groups.
The groups were held in a local disused cinema.
People greatly benefited from being a part of this work.
Joining in with arts activities can really help people with learning disabilities to feel a part of the community.
SummaryThe Stage Life was a participatory arts programme for people attending a day services provision in Nottinghamshire. The uniqueness of this programme was that it was provided in a local disused cinema acquired by the local authority for community‐based activities amongst disadvantaged groups. The Stage Life aimed to build the community arts capacity for young adults with learning disabilities by introducing approximately fifty people to participatory arts activities over a period of 2 years. The research evaluation reported in this article was conducted by external academic researchers over this period. A multimethod ethnographic approach was used to phenomenologically capture the impact of the Stage Life upon individuals’ lives, as well as capturing people’s opinions and ideas regarding taking part in the activities. The research attempts to describe, both at the individual level and at group level, the effects upon people who are engaged with the programme. Very positive benefits are reported both on a personal and on a social level.
High doses of amphetamine augment, rather than disrupt, exocytotic dopamine release in the dorsal and ventral striatum of the anesthetized rat
Authors: Ramsson Eric S. , Howard Christopher D. , Covey Dan P. , Garris Paul A. 
Published: August 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 10.1111/j.1471‐4159.2011.07407.xAbstractHigh doses of amphetamine (AMPH) are thought to disrupt normal patterns of action potential‐dependent dopaminergic neurotransmission by depleting vesicular stores of dopamine (DA) and inducing robust non‐exocytotic DA release or efflux via dopamine transporter (DAT) reversal. However, these cardinal AMPH actions have been difficult to establish definitively in vivo. Here, we use fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) in the urethane‐anesthetized rat to evaluate the effects of 10 and 20 mg/kg AMPH on vesicular DA release and DAT function in dorsal and ventral striata. An equivalent high dose of cocaine (40 mg/kg) was also examined for comparison to psychostimulants acting preferentially by DAT inhibition. Parameters describing exocytotic DA release and neuronal DA uptake were determined from dynamic DA signals evoked by mild electrical stimulation previously established to be reinforcing. High‐sensitivity FSCV with nanomolar detection was used to monitor changes in the background voltammetric signal as an index of DA efflux. Both doses of AMPH and cocaine markedly elevated evoked DA levels over the entire 2‐h time course in the dorsal and ventral striatum. These increases were mediated by augmented vesicular DA release and diminished DA uptake typically acting concurrently. AMPH, but not cocaine, induced a slow, DA‐like rise in some baseline recordings. However, this effect was highly variable in amplitude and duration, modest, and generally not present at all. These data thus describe a mechanistically similar activation of action potential‐dependent dopaminergic neurotransmission by AMPH and cocaine in vivo. Moreover, DA efflux appears to be a unique, but secondary, AMPH action.
A tight coupling between β2Y97 and β2F200 of the GABAA receptor mediates GABA binding
Authors: Tran Phu N. , Laha Kurt T. , Wagner David A. 
Published: August 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 283–293.AbstractThe GABAA receptor is an oligopentameric chloride channel that is activated via conformation changes induced upon the binding of the endogenous ligand, GABA, to the extracellular inter‐subunit interfaces. Although dozens of amino acid residues at the α/β interface have been implicated in ligand binding, the structural elements that mediate ligand binding and receptor activation are not yet fully described. In this study, double‐mutant cycle analysis was employed to test for possible interactions between several arginines (α1R67, α1R120, α1R132, and β2R207) and two aromatic residues (β2Y97 and β2F200) that are present in the ligand‐binding pocket and are known to influence GABA affinity. Our results show that neither α1R67 nor α1R120 is functionally coupled to either of the aromatics, whereas a moderate coupling exists between α1R132 and both aromatic residues. Significant functional coupling between β2R207 and both β2Y97 and β2F200 was found. Furthermore, we identified an even stronger coupling between the two aromatics, β2Y97 and β2F200, and for the first time provided direct evidence for the involvement of β2Y97 and β2F200 in GABA binding. As these residues are tightly linked, and mutation of either has similar, severe effects on GABA binding and receptor kinetics, we believe they form a single functional unit that may directly coordinate GABA.
Inhibitory effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss and carvacrol on histamine (H1) receptors of guinea‐pig tracheal chains
Authors: Boskabady Mohammad Hossein , Tabanfar Hengameh , Gholamnezhad Zahra , Sadeghnia Hamid Reza 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe inhibitory effect of aqueous‐ethanolic extract of Zataria multiflora Boiss (Labiatae) and carvacrol on histamine (H1) receptors was examined on tracheal chains of guinea‐pigs. The effects of three concentrations of aqueous‐ethanolic extract, carvacrol, 10 nm chlorpheniramine, and saline on histamine (H1) receptors were tested on three groups of guinea‐pig tracheal chains as follows: incubated trachea with (i) indomethacin (n = 9), (ii) indomethacin, propranolol, and atropine (n = 7), and (iii) indomethacin and propranolol (n = 6). The EC50 (effective concentration of histamine causing 50% of maximum response) obtained in the presence of chlorpheniramine for all concentrations of the extract and carvacrol in all three groups was significantly higher than that of saline (P < 0.001 for all cases). The EC50 obtained in the presence of all concentrations of extract in groups 2 and 3 was lower than group 1 and in group 3 lower than group 2 (P < 0.01 to P < 0.001). However, EC50 obtained in the presence of all concentrations of carvacrol in group 3 and two higher concentrations in group 2 was higher than that of group 1 (P < 0.01 to P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the maximum response obtained in the presence of different concentrations of extract and carvacrol between three groups. There was a parallel rightward shift in concentration–response curves obtained in the presence of all concentrations of the extract and carvacrol in all three groups. These results indicated an inhibitory effect of Z. multiflora and its constituent carvacrol on histamine H1 receptors.
The Cord Blood Apgar: a novel scoring system to optimize selection of banked cord blood grafts for transplantation (CME)
Authors: Page Kristin M. , Zhang Lijun , Mendizabal Adam , Wease Stephen , Carter Shelly , Shoulars Kevin , Gentry Tracy , Balber Andrew E. , Kurtzberg Joanne 
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND: Engraftment failure and delays, likely due to diminished cord blood unit (CBU) potency, remain major barriers to the overall success of unrelated umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT). To address this problem, we developed and retrospectively validated a novel scoring system, the Cord Blood Apgar (CBA), which is predictive of engraftment after UCBT.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In a single‐center retrospective study, utilizing a database of 435 consecutive single cord myeloablative UCBTs performed between January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2008, precryopreservation and postthaw graft variables (total nucleated cell, CD34+, colony‐forming units, mononuclear cell content, and volume) were initially correlated with neutrophil engraftment. Subsequently, based on the magnitude of hazard ratios (HRs) in univariate analysis, a weighted scoring system to predict CBU potency was developed using a randomly selected training data set and internally validated on the remaining data set.RESULTS: The CBA assigns transplanted CBUs three scores: a precryopreservation score (PCS), a postthaw score (PTS), and a composite score (CS), which incorporates the PCS and PTS values. CBA‐PCS scores, which could be used for initial unit selection, were predictive of neutrophil (CBA‐PCS ≥ 7.75 vs. <7.75, HR 3.5; p < 0.0001) engraftment. Likewise, CBA‐PTS and CS scores were strongly predictive of Day 42 neutrophil engraftment (CBA‐PTS ≥ 9.5 vs. <9.5, HR 3.16, p < 0.0001; CBA‐CS ≥ 17.75 vs. <17.75, HR 4.01, p < 0.0001).CONCLUSION: The CBA is strongly predictive of engraftment after UCBT and shows promise for optimizing screening of CBU donors for transplantation. In the future, a segment could be assayed for the PTS score providing data to apply the CS for final CBU selection.
Blood donation screening for hepatitis B virus markers in the era of nucleic acid testing: are all tests of value?
Authors: Stramer Susan L. , Zou Shimian , Notari Edward P. , Foster Gregory A. , Krysztof David E. , Musavi Fatemeh , Dodd Roger Y. 
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND: The American Red Cross implemented hepatitis B virus (HBV) minipool (MP)‐nucleic acid testing (NAT) in June 2009, in addition to existing tests for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc). The value of all three tests was evaluated.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: HBsAg, anti‐HBc, and HBV DNA (Ultrio MP‐NAT, Gen‐Probe/Novartis) donation results were analyzed during a 12‐month period (July 1, 2009‐June 30, 2010). Additional testing by individual‐donation (ID) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to confirm donor infection was performed when any HBV screening test was reactive or positive, except in the case of HBsAg neutralization‐positive, anti‐HBc–reactive samples. Numbers of blood donations identified as reactive or positive versus nonreactive or negative were compared.RESULTS: Of about 6.5 million donations, 699 were defined as from HBV‐infected donors, of which 64% (444) were reactive for all three markers. More than 99% (697) had reactivity to one or both serologic tests with 68% (477) showing reactivity by MP‐NAT. Only two donations were DNA‐positive, seronegative NAT‐yield donations (1 per 3.23 million), fewer than expected (p = 0.0075). Among MP‐NAT–reactive donors, only small numbers represented early infection (2 or 0.4% with negative serology and 10 or 2.1% who were HBsAg confirmed positive, anti‐HBc nonreactive). Of the 142 occult HBV‐infected donors, 85% were MP‐NAT nonreactive requiring ID‐PCR for detection (121 or 54.5% of all MP‐NAT nonreactives vs. 21 or 4.4% of all MP‐NAT reactives).CONCLUSIONS: The HBV DNA–positive yield rate from MP‐NAT was lower than expected, likely representing the rarity of such findings even in very large studies. With the implementation of HBV MP‐NAT, the value of maintaining anti‐HBc for the detection of low‐level HBV DNA–positive donors was confirmed; however, HBsAg screening showed no blood safety value.
Microstructure Evolution During Sintering of Sodium Niobate
Authors: Koruza Jurij , Malič Barbara , Kosec Marija 
Published: August 2011

A detailed study of the macroscopic and microscopic behavior upon sintering of sodium niobate was carried out. A dynamic sintering curve, recorded at a constant heating rate of 5°C/min up to 1412°C, supported by the microstructural analysis of the samples, quenched at selected temperatures, revealed a multiple‐stage densification. This was connected with the activation of different material‐transport mechanisms: evaporation/condensation and surface diffusion up to 950°C, and other diffusion mechanisms, which contribute to both shrinkage and grain growth at higher temperatures. The second series of quenching experiments was used to track the microstructure development during the isothermal heating stage of the sintering process at 1350°C. The change from a fine‐grained microstructure, with an average grain size of 2.53 ± 1.1 μm, to a coarse‐grained microstructure, with an average grain size of 35.6 ± 32 μm occurred after isothermal sintering for 30 min. The first entrapped pores within the large grains of several 10 μm indicated the increased grain‐boundary migration velocity already after 15 min of sintering. These conditions were identified as the onset point for abnormal grain growth in sodium niobate.
Synthesis and Tunable Luminescent Properties of Red PhosphorLi1−mAgmLa0.99−nYnPr0.01(MoO4)2with Blue Excitation for WhiteLEDs
Authors: Xu Bo , Liu Jie , Song Chao , Luo Hui , Jie Peng Ying , Yu Xinbin 
Published: August 2011

Preparation ofLi1−mAgmLa0.99−nYnPr0.01(MoO4)2phosphors was done by a convenient method of solid‐state reaction technique in the air. The effects of synthesis temperature, substitution ofAg+,Y3+on theLiLa(MoO4)2crystal structure, and luminescence properties ofPr3+in the molybdate host are investigated systematically. The observed excitation and emission spectra indicate that the phosphor can be excited effectively by the blue light (440–500 nm) and exhibit a satisfactory red emission at 605 and 649 nm, respectively. The substitution of a littleAg+forLi+enhances thePr3+luminescence intensity drastically. The variability ofY3+andLa3+content changes the emission intensity ratio of the1D2 → 3H4and3P0 → 3F2transition, so that theCIEchromaticity coordinates of the as‐preparedLi1−mAgmLa0.99−nYnPr0.01(MoO4)2phosphors are tuned from (0.639, 0.351) to (0.653, 0.337).