bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
And the Beat Goes On: Further Evidence on Voting on the Form of County Governance in the Midst of Public Corruption
Authors: Karahan Gökhan R. , Coats R. Morris , Shughart William F. 
Published: January 2009

SUMMARY‘Operation Pretense,’ an FBI sting operation conducted in Mississippi during the 1980s, uncovered widespread corruption among the state's county supervisors. The revelations prompted the Mississippi legislature to authorize including on the November 1988 ballot a measure asking voters whether they favored switching to a more centralized ‘unit system’ of county governance or instead retaining the decentralized ‘beat system’ then in place in all but two of the state's 82 counties. We examine voters' decisions to participate in that election, in which 47 counties returned majorities for the unit system and 35 counties opted for the status quo. Controlling for participation in the 1988 presidential race and other relevant factors, we find that turnout rates for the beat‐unit choice were positively correlated with supervisor corruption. We also find that the corrupt counties' higher voter turnouts were driven mainly by supporters of the corruption‐prone beat system.
Prevention of childhood obesity – what type of evidence should we consider relevant?
Authors: Doak C. , Heitmann B. L. , Summerbell C. , Lissner L. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryTwo reviews, one by Summerbell et al. and the other by Doak et al. came to very different conclusions about the effectiveness of childhood obesity interventions. The aim of this commentary is to assess the extent to which inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the definition of effective outcomes, explain discrepant results. Differences in results were compared by inclusion criteria and outcome definitions. The most important summary recommendations for inclusion/exclusion criteria were to exclude all non‐peer review articles, to maintain a 6‐month lower limit for duration of study, to include interventions from before 1990, to include pre‐school age groups, to include pilot studies and to intervene in high‐risk communities. Authors did not reach consensus regarding inclusion of aims not specific to preventing weight gain and the manner of assessment of anthropometric measures. Combining both reviews and applying agreed exclusion criteria leaves 30 interventions; 50% are positive. Excluding studies without an aim specific to preventing weight gain leaves 10/24 (42%) positive interventions. The differences in the results of these two reviews relate to the inclusion criteria and outcome assessments. These findings underscore the importance of the evidence considered in assessing interventions.
Dose‐dependent effects of soy phyto‐oestrogen genistein on adipocytes: mechanisms of action
Authors: Dang Z. C. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThe potential role of genistein in the prevention and treatment of obesity has attracted much attention among public and medical communities. Conversely, increasing evidence indicates that genistein as an endocrine‐disrupting substance is likely to play a role in the aetiology of obesity. This review focuses on the role of soy phyto‐oestrogen genistein in adipocytes and the underlying mechanisms of action. Genistein dose‐dependently inhibits and stimulates adipogenesis in vitro. Increasing evidence shows that genistein dose‐dependently influences obesity in both male and female animals. Dose‐dependent effects of genistein on adipocytes vary with factors such as age and gender of animals. In addition, the role of developmental exposure of genistein in adult obesity has been discussed. Genistein, different from oestrogen, concurrently activates nuclear receptors, oestrogen receptors and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors, and it inhibits various enzyme activities. The balance among these pleiotrophic effects of genistein determines its dose‐dependent effects on adipocyte differentiation and function. Current data suggest that genistein could regulate adiposity. However, it remains uncertain whether genistein plays a beneficial role in the prevention and treatment of obesity. Additional evidence is required before firm conclusions showing that genistein decreases adiposity.
Compression of Human Motion Capture Data Using Motion Pattern Indexing
Authors: Gu Qin , Peng Jingliang , Deng Zhigang 
Published: January 2009

AbstractIn this work, a novel scheme is proposed to compress human motion capture data based on hierarchical structure construction and motion pattern indexing. For a given sequence of 3D motion capture data of human body, the 3D markers are first organized into a hierarchy where each node corresponds to a meaningful part of the human body. Then, the motion sequence corresponding to each body part is coded separately. Based on the observation that there is a high degree of spatial and temporal correlation among the 3D marker positions, we strive to identify motion patterns that form a database for each meaningful body part. Thereafter, a sequence of motion capture data can be efficiently represented as a series of motion pattern indices. As a result, higher compression ratio has been achieved when compared with the prior art, especially for long sequences of motion capture data with repetitive motion styles. Another distinction of this work is that it provides means for flexible and intuitive global and local distortion controls.
The Inflationary Consequences of a Currency Changeover on the Catering Sector: Evidence from the Michelin Red Guide*
Authors: Adriani Fabrizio , Marini Giancarlo , Scaramozzino Pasquale 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThis paper examines the inflationary consequences of a currency changeover in the catering market. Empirical evidence from the Michelin Red Guide shows that: (i) differently from restaurants in non‐euro countries, restaurants in the euro area experienced abnormal price increases just after the changeover; and (ii) among restaurants in the euro area, tourist restaurants are responsible for most of the abnormal price increases. These results suggest that proposed explanations for the changeover effect, such as menu adjustment and rounding up, are only part of the story. We present a simple model of the catering market that is consistent with the evidence.
Passive Hedge Fund Replication – Beyond the Linear Case
Authors: Amenc Noël , Martellini Lionel , Meyfredi Jean‐Christophe , Ziemann Volker 
Published: January 2009

Abstract In this paper we extend Hasanhodzic and Lo (2007) by assessing the out‐of‐sample performance of various non‐linear and conditional hedge fund replication models. We find that going beyond the linear case does not necessarily enhance the replication power. On the other hand, we find that selecting factors on the basis on an economic analysis allows for a substantial improvement in out‐of‐sample replication quality, whatever the underlying form of the factor model. Overall, we confirm the findings in Hasanhodzic and Lo (2007)that the performance of the replicating strategies is systematically inferior to that of the actual hedge funds.
Tachycardia‐Induced Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy: Epicardial Radiofrequency Ablation of an Unusual and Unexpected Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: MASSOURE PIERRE‐LAURENT , JAIS PIERRE , SACHER FREDERIC , HAISSAGUERRE MICHEL 
Published: January 2009

A 38‐year‐old man without prior medical history was hospitalized for sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) left bundle branch block pattern with inferior QRS axis resistant to beta blockers. Right ventricular (RV) ejection fraction (EF) was 28%. Left ventricular EF was normal. Right and left endocardial ablation failed. Percutaneous epicardial radiofrequency application at the lateral mitral annulus was successful. The RVEF later normalized.Some VTs originating from the left ventricular epicardium are potential mimickers of benign VTs originating from the ventricular outflow tract (right or left) or arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy VT and they may induce isolated RV dysfunction.
Frequency Analysis of Atrial Electrograms Identifies Conduction Pathways from the Left to the Right Atrium During Atrial Fibrillation—Studies in Two Canine Models
Authors: RYU KYUNGMOO , SAHADEVAN JAYAKUMAR , KHRESTIAN CELEEN M. , STAMBLER BRUCE S. , WALDO ALBERT L. 
Published: January 2009

Studies of atrial fibrillation (AF) have demonstrated that a stable rhythm of very short cycle length in the left atrium (LA) can cause fibrillatory conduction in the rest of the atria. We tested the hypothesis that fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis of atrial electrograms (AEGs) during this AF will rapidly and reliably identify LA‐to‐right atrium (RA) conduction pathway(s) generated by the driver. Methods and Results: During induced atrial tachyarrhythmias in the canine sterile pericarditis and rapid ventricular pacing‐induced congestive heart failure models, 380–404 AEGs were recorded simultaneously from epicardial electrodes on both atria. FFT analysis of AEGs during AF demonstrated a dominant frequency peak in the LA (driver), and multiple frequency peaks in parts of the LA and the most of the RA. Conduction pathways from the LA driver to the RA varied from study‐to‐study. They were identified by the presence of multiple frequency peaks with one of the frequency peaks at the same frequency as the driver, and traveled (1) inferior to the inferior vena cava (IVC); (2) between the superior vena cava and the right superior pulmonary vein (RSPV); (3) between the RSPV and the right inferior pulmonary vein (RIPV); (4) between the RIPV and the IVC; and (5) via Bachmann's bundle. Conduction pathways identified by FFT analysis corresponded to the conduction pathways found in classical sequence of activation mapping. Computation time for FFT analysis for each AF episode took less than 5 minutes. Conclusion: FFT analysis allowed rapid and reliable detection of the LA‐to‐RA conduction pathways in AF generated by a stable and rapid LA driver.
Baseline Clinical Characteristics and Midterm Prognosis of STE‐ACS and NSTE‐ACS Patients with Normal Coronary Arteries
Authors: Mazurkiewicz Lukasz , Bilinska Zofia T. , Kruk Mariusz , Ciszewski Andrzej , Grzybowski Jacek , Witkowski Adam , Ruzyllo Witold 
Published: January 2009

Objective: We sought to compare clinical profiles and midterm prognosis of patients with normal coronary arteries presenting with ST‐elevation ACS (STE‐ACS) versus non‐ST‐elevation ACS (nSTE‐ACS). Background: There are limited data regarding ACS in patients with normal coronary arteries, and especially clinical differences between ST‐ACS and nSTE‐ACS patients have not been evaluated sufficiently. Methods: The study group comprised 190 patients (mean age: 53.2 years, 63.1% males, 63.6% STE‐ACS) presenting with ACS and normal coronary angiograms. The participants were evaluated in terms of 42 clinical variables. MACE [cardiac death (CD) and hospitalization for angina (HA)] were the study end points. Results: STE‐ACS in comparison to nSTE‐ACS patients were younger (P < 0.01), were more frequently males (P < 0.01), had more often infection prior to ACS (P < 0.01), higher hsCRP on admission (P < 0.01), and greater infarct size, measured by maximal troponin I (P < 0.01). By multivariate analysis in this subgroup, predictors of outcome were hsCRP (P = 0.03) and raised troponin I (P = 0.02). nSTE‐ACS in comparison to STE‐ACS patients were more obese (BMI, P < 0.01), had higher LDL cholesterol (P < 0.01), fasting glucose (P = 0.03). LDL cholesterol (P = 0.02) and fasting glucose (P = 0.03) emerged as independent predictors of outcome in these patients. Mean follow‐up period was 25.4 months. STE‐ACS patients had twice fewer MACE rate than nSTE‐ACS patients [(1‐CD, 12‐HA; 11%) vs (1‐CD, 16‐HA; 25%), respectively, log rank P < 0.01]. Conclusions: STE‐ACS and nSTE‐ACS patients with normal coronary arteriography have different clinical profiles. In nSTE‐ACS patients more pronounced metabolic abnormalities were identified, while in STE‐ACS patients inflammatory background was more significant.
Impact of QT Variables on Clinical Outcome of Genotyped Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Uchiyama Katsuharu , Hayashi Kenshi , Fujino Noboru , Konno Tetsuo , Sakamoto Yuichiro , Sakata Kenji , Kawashiri Masa‐aki , Ino Hidekazu , Yamagishi Masakazu 
Published: January 2009

Background: Although QT variables such as its interval and/or dispersion can be clinical markers of ventricular tachyarrhythmia, few data exist regarding the role of QT variables in genotyped hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Therefore, we analyzed QT variables in genotyped subjects with or without left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Methods: QT variables were analyzed in 111 mutation and 43 non‐mutation carriers who were divided into three groups: A, those without ECG abnormalities and echocardiographically determined LVH (wall thickness ≥13 mm); B, those with ECG abnormalities but LVH; and C, those with ECG abnormalities and LVH. We also examined clinical outcome of enrolled patients. Results: Maximal LV wall thickness in group C (19.0 ± 4.3 mm, mean ±SD) was significantly greater than that in group A (9.2 ± 1.8) and group B (10.4 ± 1.8). Under these conditions, maximum QTc interval and QT dispersion were significantly longer in group C than those in group A (438 ± 38 ms vs 406 ± 30 and 64 ± 31 vs 44 ± 18, respectively; P < 0.05). QTc interval and QT dispersion in group B (436 ± 50 and 64 ± 22 ms) were also significantly greater than those in group A. During follow‐up periods, four sudden cardiac deaths and one ventricular fibrillation were observed in group C, and two nonlethal ventricular tachyarrhythmias were observed in group B. Conclusions: Patients with HCM‐related gene mutation accompanying any ECG abnormalities frequently exhibited impaired QT variables even without LVH. We suggest that careful observation should be considered for those genotyped subjects.
Relationship between Genetic Variants in Myocardial Sodium and Potassium Channel Genes and QT Interval Duration in Diabetics: The Diabetes Heart Study
Authors: Lehtinen Allison B. , Daniel Kurt R. , Shah Sidharth A. , Nelson Matthew R. , Ziegler Julie T. , Freedman Barry I. , Carr J. Jeffrey , Herrington David M. , Langefeld Carl D. , Bowden Donald W. 
Published: January 2009

Background: Genetic variants in myocardial sodium and potassium channel genes are associated with prolonged QT interval and increased risk of sudden death. It is unclear whether these genetic variants remain relevant in subjects with underlying conditions such as diabetes that are associated with prolonged QT interval. Methods: We tested single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in five candidate genes for association with QT interval in a family‐based study of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Thirty‐six previously reported SNPs were genotyped in KCNQ1, HERG, SCN5A, KCNE1, and KCNE2 in 901 European Americans from 366 families. The heart rate‐corrected (QTc) durations were determined using the Marquette 12SL program. Associations between the QTc interval and the genotypes were evaluated using SOLAR adjusting for age, gender, T2DM status, and body mass index. Results: Within KCNQ1 there was weak evidence for association between the minor allele of IVS12 +14T>C and increased QTc (P = 0.02). The minor allele of rs2236609 in KCNE1 trended toward significance with longer QTc (P = 0.06), while the minor allele of rs1805123 in HERG trended toward significance with shorter QTc (P = 0.07). However, no statistically significant associations were observed between the remaining SNPs and QTc variation. Conclusions: We found weak evidence of association between three previously reported SNPs and QTc interval duration. While it appears as though genetic variants in previously identified candidate genes may be associated with QT duration in subjects with diabetes, the clinical implications of these associations in diabetic subjects at high risk for sudden death remain to be determined.
Pour une approche stratégique en matière d'inspection du travail
Authors: WEIL David 
Published: January 2009

Résumé.Dans un rapport de 2006, l'OIT soulignait les difficultés que rencontre l'inspection du travail dans ses Etats Membres et proposait des mesures pour améliorer son efficacité. Partant de cette réflexion, l'auteur avance que, sans cadre stratégique clair pour répondre aux plaintes et cibler les enquêtes programmées, les inspections échouent souvent à maximiser leur efficacité dans l'utilisation de ressources limitées. Pour ce faire, il propose que leur activité suive quatre principes: définition des priorités, dissuasion, pérennité, effets systémiques. Il conclut en énonçant les conditions nécessaires à l'élaboration de stratégies réglementaires cohérentes.
La protection sociale au Chili: des réformes pour plus de justice
Authors: MESA‐LAGO Carmelo 
Published: January 2009

Résumé.Au début des années quatre‐vingt, le Chili – imité ensuite par d'autres pays – a lancé une réforme privatisant en partie ou totalement les systèmes de l'assurance maladie et des retraites. Mise en œuvre sans concertation sociale, la réforme se fera aux dépens des principes de solidarité et de justice sociale, contribuant à la progression de la pauvreté et des inégalités. Depuis, les gouvernements démocratiques ont apporté bien des corrections. L'auteur analyse les progrès réalisés, mais aussi les inégalités qui persistent – vues sous l'angle de la couverture, du sexe et de la contribution financière – et les problèmes qui restent à résoudre.
An equilibrium analysis of the gender wage gap
Authors: CHICHILNISKY Graciela , HERMANN FREDERIKSEN Elisabeth 
Published: January 2009

Abstract.Within a two‐sector general equilibrium model, women's productivity in the marketplace decreases with the amount of household work they perform at home. Assuming that men's and women's household labour inputs are complementary here we prove the existence of multiple equilibria. In some, men and women allocate their labour equally and earn identical wages. In others, they allocate labour differently and earn different wages. In this context, beliefs about the inferiority of women's productivity are shown to be self‐fulfilling. By use of numerical examples, we show that welfare is highest when spouses allocate labour equally and suggest policy recommendations.
The World Bank's “Employing Workers” index: Findings and critiques – A review of recent evidence
Authors: Lee Sangheon , McCann Deirdre , Torm Nina 
Published: January 2009

Abstract.This note provides an update on the ongoing debate over the World Bank's Doing Business project with a particular focus on its “Employing Workers” index, which is intended to measure difficulty of hiring, rigidity of working hours and difficulty of firing. The authors review the findings of studies that have used this index or been influenced by it and of those that inspired its construction. They go on to examine criticisms of this instrument, highlighting both conceptual and empirical problems. Their paper concludes with suggestions for alternative approaches and future research.
Inequalities and financial globalization: A timely report
Authors: Bollé Patrick 
Published: January 2009

Abstract.Following the launch of the World of Work Report, the new annual report of the ILO's International Institute for Labour Studies, this note presents the contents of the first report in this series, subtitled “Income inequalities in the age of financial globalization”. Its timely release at the end of October 2008 came amidst mounting concern over the extent, duration and economic and social consequences of the financial crisis. The report examines the determinants of widening income inequalities and how inequality relates to financial globalization, labour market institutions, employment – job creation and characteristics – and redistributive policies.
Web‐based virtual patients in dentistry: factors influencing the use of cases in the Web‐SP system
Authors: Zary N. , Johnson G. , Fors U. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractWe studied the students’ acceptance and utilization of virtual patients (VPs) authored by faculty using the Web‐SP system over two consecutive years. We also studied factors of importance for the utilization of VPs for self‐assessment. Both year‐groups studied found the Web‐SP system easy to use and their overall opinion of Web‐SP was positive (Median: 5, p25‐p75: 4‐5). They found the VPs engaging, realistic, fun to use, instructive and relevant to their course. Students used, on average, 9.68 VPs per course, which constitutes 43 percent of the available VPs. The number of VPs available seemed to be sufficient for the target course, even if some of the students preferred a higher number of VPs. Of the VPs encountered, 71% (CI: 68‐75%) were VPs with feedback, and correspondingly 29% of the VPs chosen were without feedback. The difference in utilization between both types of VPs was significant, at p < 0.001. Thus, the students clearly favoured VPs with feedback compared to VPs without feedback. There were three modes of engagement in which the VP was utilized. Mode 1 was the preferred mode for VPs without feedback, while mode 3 was dominant for VPs with feedback.. Whether or not a VP was selected for review during a teacher led seminar or not, did not affect student behaviour, at least on the surface. Teacher led seminars may still be of importance to provide credibility to the VPs by integrating them into the curriculum.
Dental students’ motivation and the context of learning
Authors: Kristensen Bettina Tjagvad , Netterstrom Ingeborg , Kayser Lars 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThis qualitative study shows dental students’ motives for choosing the dental education and how the motives influence their motivation at the first semester of study. Further the study demonstrates the relevance of the context of learning. This issue is of importance when planning a curriculum for the dental education. The material consists of interviews with eight dental students. The results show that dental students were focused on their future professional role, its practical dimensions and their future working conditions. Their motivation for choosing the dental education was found to influence their motivation for studying and their experience of the relevance of the first semester. The dental students who had co‐education with the medical students at the first year of study missed a dental context and courses with clinically relevant contents. In conclusion, our data signify the importance of the context of learning. It is recommended that a future curriculum for the dental school should be designed in a way where basic science subjects are taught with both theoretically as well as practically oriented subjects and in a context which is meaningful for the students.