bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recurrent postpartum urinary retention: A case report
Authors: Humburg Joerg , Ladewig Ariane , Hoesli Irene , Holzgreve Wolfgang 
Published: November 2008

AbstractPostpartum urinary retention (PUR) is a clinical condition that is neither well‐recognized nor defined by standardized means but normally has a good prognosis. We present the case of a woman with a history of PUR who demonstrated recurrent PUR.Prolonged first and second stage of labor, isolated prolonged second stage of labor, forceps delivery or vacuum extraction, perineal laceration, nulliparity and epidural anesthesia can act as independent risk factors for the development of PUR.In this case, epidural anesthesia, which was administered in both deliveries, was the only risk factor, suggesting that its application in a woman with a history of PUR should be carefully considered and discussed with the patient.Bladder drainage resolves PUR, after which there seems to be no cumulative risk for voiding dysfunction. An initial smaller post‐void residual bladder volume may have a predictive value concerning the time to resolution of PUR.
The dendritically targeted protein Dendrin is induced by acute nicotine in cortical regions of adolescent rat brain
Authors: Schochet Terri L. , Bremer Quentin Z. , Brownfield Mark S. , Kelley Ann E. , Landry Charles F. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe response of the brain to addictive substances such as nicotine includes the rapid induction of genes that influence synaptic events. This response is different in adolescent brain, which continues to undergo synaptic remodeling in regions that include reward‐associated corticolimbic areas. We report here that acute nicotine (0.4 mg/kg), but not cocaine or exposure to a novel environment, induces the expression of the dendritically targeted, corticolimbic mRNA Dendrin in specific regions of adolescent brain. Acute nicotine resulted in an increase in Dendrin mRNA levels in the adolescent prefrontal cortex that was not evident in adult animals. The induction in Dendrin mRNA was a rapid, short‐lived transcriptional event that resulted in changes in Dendrin protein. For example, an increase in Dendrin protein levels following nicotine treatment paralleled enhanced Dendrin immunoreactivity in the dendrites of pyramidal neurons of somatosensory cortex. As Dendrin is an important component of cytoskeletal modifications at the synapse, these results suggest that nicotine influences unique plasticity‐related changes in the adolescent forebrain that differ from the adult.
The role of single subunits of the DNA transport machinery of Thermus thermophilus HB27 in DNA binding and transport
Authors: Schwarzenlander Cornelia , Haase Winfried , Averhoff Beate 
Published: November 2008

Summary Thermus thermophilus HB27 is well known for its extraordinary trait of high frequencies of natural transformation, which is considered a major mechanism of horizontal gene transfer. We show that the DNA translocator of T. thermophilus binds and transports DNA from members of all three domains. These results, together with the data obtained from genome comparisons, suggest that the DNA translocator of T. thermophilus has a major impact in adaptation of Thermus to thermal stress conditions and interdomain DNA transfer in extreme hot environments. DNA transport in T. thermophilus is mediated by a macromolecular transport machinery that consists of at least 16 subunits and spans the cytoplasmic membrane and the entire cell periphery. Here, we have addressed the role of single subunits in DNA binding and transport. PilQ is involved in DNA binding, ComEA, PilF and PilA4 are involved in transport of DNA through the outer membrane and PilM, PilN, PilO, PilA1–3, PilC and ComEC are essential for the transport of DNA through the thick cell wall layers and/or through the inner membrane. These data are discussed in the light of the subcellular localization of the proteins. A topological model for DNA transport across the cell wall is presented.
Is losing sleep making us obese?
Authors: Jones K. E. , Johnson R. K. , Harvey‐Berino J. R. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryObesity has become pandemic. In America, as obesity has increased, the amount of sleep Americans get per night has decreased, and studies are now showing an association. Epidemiological studies on short sleep duration (SSD) and obesity have been conducted in children and adults, and show an overall positive association. Leptin and ghrelin, two hormones that control appetite, have been studied as a mechanism for SSD causing obesity. Low leptin and high ghrelin levels have been seen in sleep deprivation, the effect of which is an increase in appetite that could be linked to obesity. Decreasing media use, namely television and computers, could be one way to increase nightly sleep and potentially help people lose weight. Paediatric studies have shown an association with bedroom media use and shorter sleep duration. Adult studies are lacking in this area. Limitations in the literature include self‐report in a majority of sleep studies and only a suggested causal link between SSD and obesity among all of the epidemiological studies. In conclusion, obesity is a global problem with great complexity. Encouraging people to get more sleep could be one part of the solution to help them lose weight and gain health.
α‐priori versus α‐posterior methods in dietary pattern analysis: a review in nutrition epidemiology
Authors: Panagiotakos D. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryDietary patterns are a set of habits regarding consumption of foods and beverages. They are often influenced by environmental or cultural particularities, and by religion. Examples of dietary patterns include the Mediterranean, Asian and Western diets, and the prudent diet. The majority of these dietary patterns suggest portion sizes for different food items, as well as giving information on the number of servings from each food group to be consumed on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. In the past, many epidemiological studies assessing the role that diet plays in health have focused upon single nutrients or food items. However, people do not eat isolated nutrients; instead they consume meals consisting of a variety of foods, with complex combinations of micro‐ and macronutrients. Therefore, it is becoming apparent that dietary pattern analysis may be a useful tool to use in research of this nature. In this review, two methodologies used to assess dietary patterns are described: α‐posterior and α‐priori pattern analysis.
Gender Differences in Formal On‐the‐Job Training: Incidence, Duration, and Intensity
Authors: O'Halloran Patrick Lee 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis paper explores whether there is a gender gap in the incidence, duration, intensity, and number of events of on‐the‐job training. Overall, women appear to receive a higher incidence of on‐the‐job training whereas men receive on‐the‐job training of longer duration. Including measures intended to capture the extent of labor force attachment and expected tenure fails to reduce the gender gap in the duration of on‐the‐job training. Therefore, the gender gap in the duration of on‐the‐job training must be attributed to differences in unobserved worker characteristics that differ by gender or discrimination.
Trade Unions, Wage Bargaining Coordination, and Foreign Direct Investment
Authors: Radulescu Roxana , Robson Martin 
Published: November 2008

AbstractConventional wisdom is that a high trade union bargaining strength and a system of coordinated wage bargaining reduce the attractiveness of an economy as a location for foreign direct investment, although there is limited evidence for this. The paper takes panel data for 19 OECD economies to examine the relationship between trade union bargaining strength, bargaining coordi nation, and a range of incentives for inward foreign direct investment. It finds a strong negative effect of trade union density on inward foreign direct investment, which is dependent on the degree of wage bargaining coordination. A high degree of coordination weakens the deterrent effect of high union density, which is consistent with the notion that under certain circumstances a coordinated increase in wages can increase profits of the multinationals by hurting domestic firms.
Effects of peer‐assisted training during the neurology clerkship: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Heckmann J. G. , Dütsch M. , Rauch C. , Lang C. , Weih M. , Schwab S. 
Published: November 2008

Objective:  To determine the efficacy of peer‐assisted clinical skills training for students during their neurology clerkship.Methods:  Students (n = 122) were randomized to get clinical skills training from either student (peer) instructors (experimental group) or from experienced clinical staff (control group). The remaining schedule during the clerkship did not differ between both groups. Primary endpoint was students’ practical skills and knowledge tested at the end of the course by a written test and objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Secondary endpoints were evaluation of the practical training and self‐estimated gain in theoretical and practical competence.Results:  In the written test, the peer‐trained group (n = 66) scored 69.5 ± 10.2 (95% CI 67–72) points of 100 and the postgraduates‐trained group (n = 56) 66.7 ± 11.4 (95% CI 63.6–69.8) (P = 0.15). In the OSCE the peer‐trained group scored 93.7 ± 6.3 (95% CI 92.1 to 95.2) points of 100 and the postgraduates‐trained group 92 ± 5.1 (95% CI 90.6 to 93.4) (P = 0.11). In the evaluation and self‐assessment items, there was no significant difference between the two groups except for the postgraduates’ higher competence (P = 0.004).Conclusion:  Peer‐trained students pass written exam and OSCE as efficient as postgraduates‐trained students. Self‐assessed learning success is equally rated in both groups.
Chronic acquired sensory neuron diseases
Authors: Damasceno A. , França Jr M. C. , Nucci A. 
Published: November 2008

Background and purpose:  Sensory neuron diseases (SND) represent a specific subgroup of peripheral nervous system disorders that are becoming increasingly recognized. We aimed to analyze clinical, neurophysiological, and MRI features in patients with SND.Methods:  We reviewed clinical and electrophysiological data of 20 individuals fulfilling SND criteria. Patients underwent an additional neurological evaluation and cervical spine MRI.Results:  Sensory neuron diseases was associated with dysimmune conditions in six, hepatitis C in one, B12 deficiency in another, and in one patient SND was related to organophosphate intoxication. In the remaining eleven, it was considered as idiopathic. Nineteen patients experienced sensory symptoms. Worse ataxia was related with longer disease duration (P = 0.02). Early CSF assessment was related to higher protein level (P = 0.008). All patients showed widespread impairment in sensory nerve action potential amplitudes. High signal intensity in the posterior columns was observed in most patients when MRI was performed more than 3 years after disease onset.Discussion:  Sensory neuron diseases usually presents with sensory symptoms and ataxia. A high index of suspicion is important because inflammatory changes might be more prominent initially, a period when immunotherapy could be more valuable. Early diagnosis should be based mainly on electrophysiological and clinical grounds, as MRI may be normal initially.
Obstruction of cerebral venous sinus secondary to idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Stienen A. , Weinzierl M. , Ludolph A. , Tibussek D. , Häusler M. 
Published: November 2008

Background:  Whether cerebral venous sinus obstruction is a cause or consequence of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is uncertain.Methods and results:  Among the nine children with IIH, five showed stenosis (n = 5) and occlusion (n = 1) of cerebral venous sinus on cranial magnetic resonance imaging (n = 4) or conventional angiography (n = 1), respectively. Follow‐up magnetic resonance imaging performed in four children showed complete regression of the venous pathology in one and partial regression in two of them.Conclusions:  Our data demonstrate that cerebral venous sinus obstruction is frequent and frequently transient in pediatric IIH and suggest that stenoses may result from elevated intracranial pressure.
Prevention of embolic stroke by catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Stöllberger C. , Schneider B. , Winkler‐Dworak M. , Finsterer J. 
Published: November 2008

Background and purpose:  Radiofrequency‐catheter‐ablation of atrial fibrillation is now commonly performed. Aim of this short review is to summarize questions and uncertainties concerning radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation with respect to therapeutic mechanisms, long‐term efficacy and stroke‐prevention.Results:  The majority of atrial fibrillation patients is too old for radiofrequency ablation. Candidates for radiofrequency ablation belong to a subgroup with a low embolic risk. The radiofrequency ablation procedure itself may increase the embolic risk, and at present it is uncertain how long this embolic risk persists after the procedure.Conclusion:  We doubt if radiofrequency ablation prevents embolism in atrial fibrillation.
Muscular fatigue and decremental response to repetitive nerve stimulation in X‐linked spinobulbar muscular atrophy
Authors: Inoue K. , Hemmi S. , Miyaishi M. , Kutoku Y. , Murakami T. , Kurokawa K. , Sunada Y. 
Published: November 2008

Background and Purpose:  We report decremental responses to repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) in 11 patients diagnosed with X‐linked spinobulbar muscular atrophy (X‐SBMA).Methods:  The compound muscle action potential (CMAP) of the right abductor digiti minimi (ADM) and trapezius (TZ) in response to a 3‐Hz stimulation of the ulnar nerve at the wrist and accessory nerve at the neck were recorded by surface electrodes.Results:  A decremental response to RNS was observed in 90.9% of the TZ muscle and 27.2% in the ADM muscle of patients with X‐SBMA.Conclusion:  These electrophysiological features of X‐SBMA are considered to be useful for diagnosis of X‐SBMA. Furthermore, the waning phenomena that mostly appeared in the TZ muscle and increment of CMAP in RNS after the exercise also suggest a unique manifestation in X‐SBMA.
Comorbidity of migraine and epilepsy in a Norwegian community
Authors: Brodtkorb E. , Bakken I. J. , Sjaastad O. 
Published: November 2008

Background and purpose:  Studies on the comorbidity of migraine and epilepsy have shown conflicting results. We wanted to explore the epidemiological association between migraine and seizure disorders in a population‐based material where case ascertainment was enhanced by individual specialist assessments.Methods:  Information concerning migraine and seizure disorders was collected from 1793 participants in an interview‐based survey in a circumscribed community. Mixed headache, with features both of migraine without aura and tension‐type headache, was excluded from further analyses because of its ambiguous character (n = 137). Thus, data from 1656 participants were included in the study.Results:  The number of subjects with epilepsy was small, and a statistically significant association between migraine and the diagnosis of epilepsy was not found. There was a tendency to more active epilepsy in subjects with migraine (1.0%, 5/524), particularly for migraine with aura (1.8%, 3/168), compared with subjects without migraine (0.5%, 6/1132). Migraine was present in five of 11 subjects with active epilepsy (45%) and in four of 28 (14%) with epilepsy in remission (P = 0.09).Conclusions:  An overall association between migraine and seizure disorders could not be demonstrated, but there was a tendency to more migraine in individuals with active epilepsy.
Autosomal recessive hereditary spastic paraplegia with thin corpus callosum: a novel mutation in the SPG11 gene and further evidence for genetic heterogeneity
Authors: Pippucci T. , Panza E. , Pompilii E. , Donadio V. , Borreca A. , Babalini C. , Patrono C. , Zuntini R. , Kawarai T. , Bernardi G. , Liguori R. , Romeo G. , Montagna P. , Orlacchio A. , Seri M. 
Published: November 2008

Background and purpose:  Autosomal Recessive Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia with Thin Corpus Callosum (AR‐HSPTCC) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous complicated form of spastic paraplegia. Two AR‐HSPTCC loci have been assigned to chromosome 15q13‐15 (SPG11) and chromosome 8p12‐p11.21 respectively. Mutations in the SPG11 gene, encoding the spatacsin protein, have been found in the majority of SPG11 families. In this study, involvement of the SPG11 or 8p12‐p11.21 loci was investigated in five Italian families, of which four consanguineous.Methods:  Families were tested for linkage to the SPG11 or 8p12‐p11.21 loci and the SPG11 gene was screened in all the affected individuals. Results:  Linkage was excluded in the four consanguineous families. In the only SPG11‐linked family the same homozygous haplotype 4.2 cM across the SPG11 locus was shared by all the three affected siblings. A novel c.2608A>G mutation predicted to affect the splicing was found in exon 14 of the SPG11 gene.Discussion:  This collection of families contributes to highlight the intra and inter locus heterogeneity in AR‐HSPTCC, already remarked in previous reports. In particular, it confirms heterogeneity amongst Italian families and reports a new mutation predicted to affect splicing in the spatacsin gene.
The State‐by‐State Economic Impacts of the 2002 Shutdown of the Los Angeles–Long Beach Ports
Authors: PARK JIYOUNG , GORDON PETER , MOORE II JAMES E. , RICHARDSON HARRY W. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTIn previous research, the economic impacts of temporary shutdowns of the Los Angeles–Long Beach harbors were simulated after a hypothetical terrorist attack, applying the National Interstate Economic Model to estimate state‐by‐state as well as interindustry impacts. However, the unpredictable characteristic of terrorist attacks might not be applicable to the case of a ports shutdown such as the one caused by the lockout of September–October 2002. Market participants can be expected to have contingency plans based on anticipations of a strike or shutdown. Can we identify any of these in terms of the use of alternate ports, in terms of alternate modes or even alternate time periods? The purpose of this study is to examine these questions. The approach is elaborated by testing for the possible effects of trade diversion to other West Coast ports, transportation modes, and intertemporal substitutions. We use data from WISERTrade describing commodity‐specific trade for the major West Coast ports before, during, and after the 11‐day shutdown of the fall of 2002. Shippers’ ability to divert trade is a key ingredient in the economy's ability to withstand attacks and disruptions. The work estimates the impacts on 47 industrial sectors across 50 states (and the District of Columbia).
Critical Transport Infrastructure in Urban Areas: Impacts of Traffic Incidents Assessed Using Accessibility‐Based Network Vulnerability Analysis
Authors: TAYLOR MICHAEL A. P. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTIncidents (vehicle breakdowns, crashes, roadworks, lane blockages, severe weather, etc.) are believed responsible for about 50 percent of traffic congestion in Australia's major cities, which is a similar situation to that found in cities in many other parts of the developed world. Incident‐based congestion is particularly disruptive because of its random occurrence in space and time, which maximises the operational impacts of the congestion on social and economic activities. This paper discusses a method for assessing critical locations—congestion “hot spots”—in urban road networks, and the development and application of diagnostic tools that will allow urban road system managers to anticipate potential vulnerabilities to incident‐related congestion and take proactive action to avoid congestion rather than react to it. The expected outcomes are then reduced congestion, delays, and pollution; significantly improved performance from the existing urban road system; and reduced pressure to build more roads. The method involves modelling of travel demand, network topology, capacity and road geometry, the identification and assessment of impacts of traffic incidents at specific locations in a road network, and the use of accessibility impact analysis to assess system‐wide effects. Accessibility impact analysis is undertaken using an accessibility framework, which can account for time of day, transport mode and destination choices by individuals, and level of traffic congestion among other factors. A case‐study application to a specific (potential) incident in a real‐world network indicates that the proposed method is feasible and demonstrates its power in identifying not just total impacts but the distribution of those impacts across a region or community. While current approaches to urban road network planning and management tend to be reactive—finding cures for problems as they arise or addressing locations of recurrent congestion or bad incident record—the vulnerability analysis method described in the paper should lend itself to a proactive approach that can anticipate structural weaknesses and vulnerabilities and help to avoid or at least temper potential adverse effects, rather than to react to them afterwards.
A Framework for Modeling Rail Transport Vulnerability
Authors: PETERSON STEVEN K. , CHURCH RICHARD L. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTRailroads represent one of the most efficient methods of long‐haul transport for bulk commodities, from coal to agricultural products. Over the past 50 years, the rail network has contracted while tonnage has increased. Service, geographically, has been abandoned along short‐haul routes and increased along major long‐haul routes, resulting in a network that is more streamlined. The current rail network may be very vulnerable to disruptions, like the failure of a trestle. This paper proposes a framework to model rail network vulnerability and gives an application of this modeling framework in analyzing rail network vulnerability for the State of Washington. It concludes with a number of policy‐related issues that need to be addressed in order to identify, plan, and mitigate the risks associated with the sudden loss of a bridge or trestle.
Plant responses to photoperiod
Authors: Jackson Stephen D. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryPhotoperiod controls many developmental responses in animals, plants and even fungi. The response to photoperiod has evolved because daylength is a reliable indicator of the time of year, enabling developmental events to be scheduled to coincide with particular environmental conditions. Much progress has been made towards understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the response to photoperiod in plants. These mechanisms include the detection of the light signal in the leaves, the entrainment of circadian rhythms, and the production of a mobile signal which is transmitted throughout the plant. Flowering, tuberization and bud set are just a few of the many different responses in plants that are under photoperiodic control. Comparison of what is known of the molecular mechanisms controlling these responses shows that, whilst common components exist, significant differences in the regulatory mechanisms have evolved between these responses.

Contents

Summary
517

I.
The importance of photoperiod
517

II.
The competence to respond to photoperiod
519

III.
The photoperiodic response pathway
521

IV.
Systemic signals
523

V.
Moderating factors
524

VI.
The flowering response to photoperiod in other species
525

VII.
Tuberization in potato
526

VIII.
Bud set and growth cessation in trees
527

References
528