bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Tourism on Local Government Expenditures
Authors: WONG JOHN D. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study is to broaden the understanding of the impact of tourism on local government expenditures. Specifically, a regression model is developed to examine the hypothesis that there is a direct relationship between the degree of reliance of the local economy on tourism and local government expenditures. This study indicates that the degree of reliance of a local economy on tourism does have a statistically significant impact on the level of capital outlays, transportation, police protection, fire protection, corrections, parks and recreation, financial administration, and general government administration expenditures. This analysis indicates that the share of tourism in the local economy can influence expenditures on a variety of local government services, thus tourism should not be regarded as a totally costless instrument of economic development.
Neighborhood Exposure to Toxic Releases: Are There Racial Inequities?
Authors: KRIESEL WARREN , CENTNER TERENCE J. , KEELER ANDREW G. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTThis paper explores the use of empirical evidence to determine whether the exposure of minorities to environmental risks constitutes aversive racism. Connections are drawn between definitions of aversive racism and statistical approaches to research into the relationship between race and risk, paying particular attention to the influence of both non‐racial discrimination and industrial location factors. Federal judicial and executive remedies to aversive racism are examined in light of the standards of evidence presented. An empirical study of the connection between race and exposure to toxic releases is then presented for Census block groups in Georgia and Ohio. It was found that the significance of race depends on the breadth of the explanatory model used in the analysis. A model of overall exposure to toxic releases shows that race is significant in a narrow model of discrimination but not in a broader model including industrial location factors. However, a model of targeting of minorities in the recent location of toxics‐emitting facilities fails to show discrimination in any of the regression analyses. These findings support the view that environmental justice concerns cannot be addressed through reform of siting processes; broader remedies involving more stringent protection of exposure to toxic emissions are more likely to be effective.
Mood Disorders and Epilepsy Surgery: Lightening the Burden in More Ways than One?
Authors: Garcia Paul A. 
Published: July 2006

Changes in Depression and Anxiety after Resective Surgery for Epilepsy Devinsky O, Barr WB, Vickrey BG, Berg AT, Bazil CW, Pacia SV, Langfitt JT, Walczak TS, Sperling MR, Shinnar S, Spencer SS Neurology 2005;65(11):1744–1749 Objective To determine changes in depression and anxiety after resective surgery. Methods Data from subjects enrolled in a prospective multicenter study of resective epilepsy surgery were reviewed with the Beck Psychiatric Symptoms Scales (Beck depression inventory [BDI] and Beck anxiety inventory [BAI]) and Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) up to a 24-month period. χ2 analyses were used to correlate proportions. Results A total of 358 presurgical BDI and 360 BAI results were reviewed. Moderate and severe levels of depression were reported in 22.1% of patients, and similar levels of anxiety were reported by 24.7%. Postoperative rates of depression and anxiety declined at the 3-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up periods. At the 24-month follow-up, moderate to severe levels of depression symptoms were reported in 17.6% and 14.7% of the patients who continued to have postoperative seizures. Moderate to severe depression and anxiety were found in 8.2% of those who were seizure-free. There was no relationship, prior to surgery, between the presence or absence of depression and anxiety and the laterality or location of the seizure onset. There were no significant relationships between depression or anxiety at 24-month follow-up and the laterality or location of the surgery. Conclusions Depression and anxiety in patients with refractory epilepsy significantly improve after epilepsy surgery, especially in those who are seizure-free. Neither the lateralization nor the localization of the seizure focus or surgery was associated with the risk of affective symptoms at baseline or after surgery.
Do Seizures Harm the Brain?
Authors: Bergen Donna C. 
Published: July 2006

Cognitive Decline in Severe Intractable Epilepsy Thompson PJ, Duncan JS Epilepsia 2005;46(11):1780–1787 Purpose To explore the relation between seizure-related variables and cognitive change in patients with severe intractable epilepsy. Methods A retrospective analysis of data from 136 patients who had undergone a cognitive assessment on two occasions at an interval of ≥10 years. Cognitive measures included tests of memory and executive skills in addition to intelligence quotients (IQ). Details were available regarding seizure type and frequency in the intertest interval. Results Cognitive decline was severe and occurred across a wide range of cognitive functions. The frequency of generalized tonic–clonic seizures was the strongest predictor of decline. Complex partial seizure frequency was associated with a decline in memory and executive skills but not in IQ. Seizure-related head injuries and advancing age carried a poor cognitive prognosis, whereas periods of remission were associated with a better cognitive outcome. Early age at onset was not implicated, and duration of epilepsy was a much less potent predictor of cognitive decline than has been reported in cross-sectional studies. No evidence indicated that a higher level of cognitive function protected against cognitive decline. Conclusions Our findings, together with those from animal studies and surgically treated patients, suggest that seizures can have a direct adverse effect on cognition and that good seizure control even after years of intractability can have a beneficial impact on cognitive prognosis. This study was based on individuals who merited two cognitive assessments ≥10 years apart and hence is biased in favor of those with the most severe forms of refractory epilepsy and those with decline.
Diffusion-Weighted Imaging: Can it Play a Role in the Evaluation of Patients with Epilepsy?
Authors: Kanner Andres M. 
Published: July 2006

Diffusion-Weighted and Perfusion MRI Demonstrates Parenchymal Changes in Complex Partial Status Epilepticus Szabo K, Poepel A, Pohlmann-Eden B, Hirsch J, Back T, Sedlaczek O, Hennerici M, Gass A Brain 2005;128(Pt 6):1369–1376 Diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) and perfusion MRI (PI) have been mainly applied in acute stroke, but may provide information in the peri-ictal phase in epilepsy patients. Both transient reductions of brain water diffusion, namely a low apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and signs of hyperperfusion have been reported in experimental and human epilepsy case studies. We studied 10 patients with complex partial status epilepticus (CPSE) with serial MRI, including DWI and PI. All patients showed regional hyperintensity on DWI, and a reduction of the ADC in (i) the hippocampal formation and the pulvinar region of the thalamus (six out of 10 patients), (ii) the pulvinar and cortical regions (two out of 10), (iii) the hippocampal formation only (one out of 10), and (iv) the hippocampal formation, the pulvinar and the cortex (one out of 10). In all patients, a close spatial correlation of focal hyperperfusion with areas of ADC/DWI change was present. In two patients, hyperperfusion was confirmed in additional SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) studies. All patients received follow-up MRI examinations showing partial or complete resolution of diffusion and perfusion abnormalities depending on the length of the follow-up interval. The clinical course, EEG, and SPECT results all indicate that MRI detected changes related to prolonged epileptic activity. Combined PI and DWI can visualize haemodynamic and tissue changes after CPSE in the hippocampus, thalamus, and affected cortical regions.
Virus-Induced Injury of the Dentate Gyrus: Deconstructing the Gate in the Way of Seizures
Authors: Mazarati Andrey 
Published: July 2006

Kappa Opioid Control of Seizures Produced by a Virus in an Animal Model Solbrig MV, Adrian R, Baratta J, Lauterborn JC, Koob GF Brain 2006;129(Pt 3):642–654 Epilepsy remains a major medical problem of unknown aetiology. Potentially, viruses can be environmental triggers for development of seizures in genetically vulnerable individuals. An estimated half of encephalitis patients experience seizures and 4% develop status epilepticus. Epilepsy vulnerability has been associated with a dynorphin promoter region polymorphism or low dynorphin expression genotype, in man. In animals, the dynorphin system in the hippocampus is known to regulate excitability. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that reduced dynorphin expression in the dentate gyrus of hippocampus due to periadolescent virus exposure leads to epileptic responses. Encephalitis produced by the neurotropic Borna disease virus in the rat caused epileptic responses and dynorphin to disappear via dentate granule cell loss, failed neurogenesis and poor survival of new neurons. Kappa opioid (dynorphin) agonists prevented the behavioural and electroencephalographic seizures produced by convulsant compounds, and these effects were associated with an absence of dynorphin from the dentate gyrus granule cell layer and upregulation of enkephalin in CA1 interneurons, thus reproducing a neurochemical marker of epilepsy, namely low dynorphin tone. A key role for kappa opioids in anticonvulsant protection provides a framework for exploration of viral and other insults that increase seizure vulnerability and may provide insights into potential interventions for treatment of epilepsy.
Market Reaction to Changes in the S&P SmallCap 600 Index
Authors: Gowri Shankar S. , Miller James M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractFirms added to (deleted from) the S&P 600 index experience a significant price increase (decrease) at announcement. Firms that newly enter (exit) the S&P universe experience a larger price increase (decrease) than firms that move between S&P indexes. Trading volumes are higher after the announcement and institutional ownership increases (decreases) following index additions (deletions). However, the price and volume effects are temporary and are fully reversed within 60 days, in contrast to the permanent effects reported for S&P 500 changes. Our results support the temporary price‐pressure hypothesis and are similar to results reported for Russell 2000 index changes.
IPO Placement Risk and the Number of Co‐Managers
Authors: Davidson Wallace N. , Xie Biao , Xu Weihong 
Published: July 2006

AbstractPrevious studies show that co‐managers mainly affect initial public offering (IPO) aftermarket activities. We investigate the role of co‐managers in IPO pre‐market activities. We argue that co‐managers help reduce IPO placement risk and hypothesize that IPO issuers hire more co‐managers when placement risk is higher. We find the number of co‐managers is positively associated with three proxies for placement risk. IPOs with more price uncertainty and high‐tech IPOs hire more co‐managers, while IPOs in regulated industries hire fewer co‐managers. We also find larger IPOs, recent IPOs, and IPOs with more reputable lead underwriters hire more co‐managers.
Sex Differences in the Relationships Between Electrocardiographic Abnormalities and the Extent of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy by Echocardiography
Authors: Ochi Hikari , Noda Akiko , Miyata Seiko , Skegawa Mayo , Iwase Mitsunori , Koike Yasuo , Ito Rieko , Yamada Hiroshi , Takamatsu Junki , Yokota Mitsuhiro 
Published: July 2006

Background: Several criteria have been proposed for the electrocardiographic diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). However, their diagnostic accuracy is questionable. Furthermore, the diagnostic accuracy of abnormalities in ST‐T patterns for LVH is known to be uncertain, especially in women. We examined the relationship between electrocardiographic abnormalities and the extent of LVH. Methods: We studied 76 men and 48 women who satisfied electrocardiographic voltage criteria for LVH (RV5 or RV6≥ 2.6 mV, SV1+ RV5 or SV1+ RV6≥ 3.5 mV). They were classified into three groups based on ST‐T pattern: normal, early strain, and strain. We defined echocardiographic evidence of LVH as an LV wall thickness ≥ 12 mm. Results: LVH was identified by echocardiography in 55.3% of men and in 47.9% of women. In strain and early strain groups, the prevalence of echocardiographic LVH was significantly higher in men than in women (strain group: 100 vs 75%, P < 0.05, early strain group: 81.8 vs 42.1%, P < 0.05), it did not differ significantly between men and women in normal group. In men, QRS voltage values were significantly correlated with echocardiographic indices. In group strain of men, significant good correlations were observed between QRS voltage values and echocardiographic indices. However, in women, there were no significant correlation between QRS voltage values and echocardiographic indices even in strain group. Conclusions: The combined criteria of both QRS voltage and ST‐T classification could provide a greater accuracy in diagnosing LVH compared to the criteria using QRS voltage alone in men rather than in women.
Restraint stress enhances alveolar bone loss in an experimental rat model
Authors: Nakajima K. , Hamada N. , Takahashi Y. , Sasaguri K. , Tsukinoki K. , Umemoto T. , Sato S. 
Published: July 2006

Background and Objective:  The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of restraint stress on periodontal breakdown resulting from Porphyromonas gingivalis‐challenged periodontitis in rats.Material and Methods:  To examine the influence of restraint stress on periodontal breakdown, rats were orally challenged with the periodontal pathogen P. gingivalis. Twenty male, specific pathogen‐free (SPF) 3‐wk‐old, Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into four groups: group A (controls), group B (exposed to restraint stress for 12 h/d for 22 d), group C (orally challenged with P. gingivalis), and group D (exposed to restraint stress for 12 h/d for 22 d and orally challenged with P. gingivalis). After 22 d, all animals were killed. The distance from the alveolar bone crest to the cemento–enamel junction was determined, concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone were measured as stress markers, and atrophy of the thymus and spleen were assessed. In addition, the furcation area of the maxillary molars was examined histologically, while gingival cytokine gene expression was assessed by mRNA using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR).Results:  In the restrained group, all stress markers were elevated, and the thymus and spleen were atrophied. Combined restraint stress and oral challenge with P. gingivalis resulted in significantly higher bone loss, and osteoclasts were observed. RT–PCR analysis revealed low cytokine gene expression in the restrained groups.Conclusion:  These results suggest that the presence of restraint stress significantly enhances the progression of P. gingivalis‐challenged periodontitis in rats.
Does side matter? Review comparing right versus left‐sided laparoscopic adrenalectomy
Authors: Fok Ka‐Lung , Poon Chi‐Ming , Leung Canice Tak‐Lun , Li Anthony Chi‐Ngai , Chan Angus Chi‐Wai , Leong Heng‐Tat 
Published: July 2006

Objective:  There is concern about the limitation in right‐sided tumour due to the more demanding surgical technique. We aimed to compare right versus left laparoscopic adrenalectomy in terms of operative outcome.Methods:  This is a review of medical records from 1999 to 2003 in a district hospital. Patients’ records were retrieved from the computer system under procedure name of adrenalectomy (ICD code 07.22). Primary outcome measures included complication and mortality. Other outcome measures included operation time, blood loss and length of stay.Results:  Thirty‐two consecutive cases (left = 18 vs right = 14) of laparoscopic adrenalectomy were performed from 1999 to 2003. The median age of patients was 45 years. Twenty‐four of them were Conn’s Syndrome (left 14 vs right 10). Median size of tumour was 2 cm (range 0.5–5 cm, left = 2 cm vs right = 1.7 cm; P = 0.87; Mann–Whitney U‐test). One left‐sided tumour was complicated with perinephric haematoma requiring needle aspiration. There was no operative mortality in both groups. There was no difference in operation time (median time; left = 127 min vs right = 120 min; P = 0.91). There were two conversions (right = 1 vs left = 1) due to bleeding and unclear anatomy. The majority of them had minimal blood loss with none above 200 mL. All patients resumed full diet and were ambulatory within 2 days after the operation. There was no difference in hospital stay (right 4.5 days vs left 5 days; P = 0.28 Mann–Whitney U‐test). There was no significant difference between the outcomes of left and right‐sided tumour.Conclusions:  There is no difference in clinical outcomes between left and right laparoscopic adrenalectomy.
Energy-dependent variability and the origin of the soft X-ray excess in active galactic nuclei
Authors: Gierliński Marek , Done Chris 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
The origin of the soft excess seen in many active galactic nuclei (AGN) below ∼1 keV is still an unsolved problem. It is unlikely to represent a true continuum component as its characteristic ‘temperature’ shows a remarkable constancy over a wide range of AGN luminosity and black hole mass. This instead favours an association with atomic processes, in particular with the increase in opacity between 0.7 and 2 keV associated with partially ionized O and Fe. The opacity jump can give rise to a soft excess through either reflection or transmission, and both scenarios can fit the spectra equally well as long as there is strong velocity shear to smear out the characteristic narrow atomic features. Here we use orthogonal constraints from the energy-dependent variability. The rms spectra seen in XMM—Newton AGN data often show a broad peak between 0.7 and 2 keV. We show that the absorption model can explain the data well if the ionization state of the smeared absorption responds to luminosity changes in the continuum.
Subterranean Natural Brines Produce Sodium Sulphate in West Texas
Authors: Reeves C. C. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractProfitable production of sodium sulphate from natural brine occurs only in California and Texas. Although the Ozark‐Mahoning Company developed sodium sulphate production from natural brine in the Monahans, Texas, area during the early 1930's, Pleistocene deposits in the “Rich Lake” and Brownfield depression areas of Terry County have recently been developed. The unusual geology of these deposits and production methods utilized are briefly described.
Temperature and Phosphates as Ground‐Water Tracers
Authors: Sampayo F. F. , Wilke H. R. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThis study was undertaken to determine the effect of recharging warm air conditioning and storm waters on ground‐water temperatures in the West Lafayette, Indiana area and to establish the direction of flow of the recharged water out of the recharge pit.During 1961–62 Purdue University has discharged approximately 4.0 MGD (million gallons per day) of water at an abandoned gravel pit south of the campus. This water had a temperature averaging 77° F and a phosphate content of about 4 ppm. In order to obtain the proposed objective, weekly temperature measurements were taken at selected points throughout the area involved in the study. Water samples were collected at some of these locations every two weeks. The samples were analyzed for phosphate content. The research program extended over a period of twelve months.The results obtained indicated that the influence of ground‐water recharge on ground‐water temperatures appeared to be localized to a small area surrounding the pit. No evidence was found to indicate that recharge at the pit was causing any increases of ground‐water temperatures for more than about 1,000 feet from the pit.Although the results of phosphate testing were not conclusive, they seemed to be in close agreement with the temperature measurements in indicating the direction and velocity of ground‐water flow. The direction of flow of the recharged water was found to be south toward the Wabash River, but could only be established for a short distance (approximately 1,000 feet). Ground‐water velocity was calculated to be about 1.7 feet per day using ground‐water temperatures as the tracer, and 2.3 feet per day when phosphate concentration was the tracer used.
The Hele‐Shaw Model – A Research Device in Ground‐Water Studies
Authors: Sternberg Y. M. , Scott V. H. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe Hele‐Shaw viscous flow model has been found to be a useful device in analyzing and studying certain types of ground‐water flow problems. The discussion includes the theory of the Hele‐Shaw model, scaling considerations, construction techniques, and examples of problems adaptable to this model such as recharge pits, seepage of saline water, tidal fluctuations and others.
Natural Controls Involved in Shallow Aquifer Contaminationa
Authors: Deutsch M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractShallow aquifers, commonly the most important sources of ground water, are also those most susceptible to contamination. The mode of entry of contaminants to shallow aquifers is (1) directly, via wells or secondary openings in consolidated rocks, (2) percolation through the zone of aeration, (3) induced infiltration through the zone of saturation, and (4) interaquifer leakage or flow through open holes.Natural removal or degradation of contaminants is by filtration, dispersion, sorption, ion exchange, oxidation, and various biochemical processes. These phenomena are controlled by the physical environment, structure; mineralogy, and hydraulic characteristics of the earth materials contacted by the liquid wastes.When liquid wastes enter an aquifer directly, there is little or no natural treatment by filtration, sorption, or oxidation. Purification is only by those processes that operate within the aquifer under anaerobic conditions. Contaminants from natural sources that enter aquifers under saturated‐flow conditions are degraded primarily by dilution. The natural processes effective in reducing contamination from surface‐water sources depend on the hydraulic regimen involved, which vary with individual cases.Liquid wastes percolating through the zone of aeration are those most likely to be purified by natural environment processes. Natural processes, however, do not effectively remove or degrade all contaminants, especially some of the many highly stable compounds that have gained widespread use in recent years, such as synthetic detergents. Comprehensive interdisciplinary research into the ability of various earth materials to remove many types of contaminants under varying hydrologic conditions is needed.
Waste Injection into a Deep Limestone in Northwestern Floridaa
Authors: Barraclough J. T. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractDuring a three‐month trial period, 70 million gallons of industrial wastes were successfully injected at moderate pressures into a deep limestone in the westernmost part of Florida. The movement of these wastes is expected to be predominantly southward toward the natural discharge area which is presumed to be far out in the Gulf of Mexico. The limestone lies between two thick beds of clay (aquicludes) and contains 13,000 parts per million salty water. A series of aquifers and aquicludes appear capable of preventing contamination of the overlying fresh‐water aquifers.