bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Open-Economy Inflation- Forecast Targeting
Authors: Leitemo Kai 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
We study simple inflation-forecast targeting in an open-economy setting. Simple inflation-forecast targeting implies setting an interest rate which, if kept unchanged throughout the forecast-targeting horizon, produces a conditional inflation forecast equal to the inflation target at the end of the horizon.We find that the optimal forecast-targeting horizon is relatively short (one year). A longer horizon does not consistently contribute to improved output stability, indeed it increases exchange rate variability and traded sector variability. The targeting procedure is substantially inferior to the optimal pre-commitment policy. Moreover, the targeting procedure does not necessarily determine the rational-expectations equilibrium and is subject to time inconsistency.
Does the Choice between Wage Inequality and Unemployment Affect Productivity Growth?
Authors: Arnold Lutz G. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
We present a non-scale continuous-time overlapping-generations growth model that provides an explanation for why economies with relative wage rigidity feature higher unemployment, but not slower productivity growth, than economies with flexible wages. The compression of the wage distribution associated with relative wage rigidity slows down human capital accumulation and growth ceteris paribus. But unemployment among the low-skilled workers strengthens the incentives to invest in human capital and, hence, growth. The two effects are offsetting, and growth is independent of the prevailing degree of relative wage rigidity. This knife-edge result is robust with respect to some modifications of the model.
Absence of large‐diameter sensory fibres in a nerve to the cat humerus
Authors: Ivanusic Jason J. , Mahns David A. , Sahai Vineet , Rowe Mark J. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractA fine branch of the median nerve innervates the periosteum and medullary cavity of the cat humerus. After branching to innervate the periosteum on the medial surface of the humerus, the nerve enters and supplies the medullary cavity via a nutrient foramen, accompanied by a small artery and vein. The composition of the fibres in the nerve was examined using electron microscopy. Myelinated fibres with diameters of 0.8–6.6 µm and unmyelinated fibres with diameters of 0.1–1.4 µm were observed. These diameters indicate that afferent fibres of this nerve are confined within the Group III and IV categories, and may therefore be nociceptive or mechanoreceptive in function. In addition, autonomic efferent fibres may also be present in these fibre groups. As no fibre diameters greater than 7 µm were noted, it appears that Group I and II fibres are absent in this nerve. The fibre distribution suggests that the principal role of this nerve is to relay bone‐related nociceptive or mechanoreceptive information to the central nervous system and to provide autonomic regulatory influences on the bone.
Perinatal development of the pancreatic islet microvasculature in rats
Authors: Johansson Magnus , Andersson Arne , Carlsson Per‐Ola , Jansson Leif 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to investigate possible changes in the islet microvasculature during the period of pronounced β‐cell growth seen perinatally in rats. We studied islet endothelial and β‐cell proliferation, as well as islet vascular density, in rats during this period. There was a progressive increase in islet vascular density from day −1 to day 7 postpartum, with values similar to those in adult rats seen at the latter time point. 3H‐thymidine‐labelled islet endothelial cells were extremely rare in adult rats, whereas such cells were much more frequent perinatally. The β‐cell labelling index was higher in all perinatal animals than in adult rats, with peak values seen on day 2. The proliferating endocrine cells were located very close to blood vessels at day 2 after birth. In conclusion, the pronounced growth of islet endocrine cells seen during the first week after birth coincides and co‐localizes with an even more pronounced increase in islet endothelial cell proliferation, which results in a marked increase in intra‐islet vascular density. This perinatal increase in islet blood vessel density may facilitate glucose sensing and islet hormonal delivery to the systemic circulation.
An in situ hybridization study of Runx2, Osterix, and Sox9 at the onset of condylar cartilage formation in fetal mouse mandible
Authors: Shibata Shunichi , Suda Naoto , Suzuki Shoichi , Fukuoka Hiroki , Yamashita Yasuo 
Published: January 2006

AbstractMandibular condylar cartilage is the principal secondary cartilage, differing from primary cartilage in its rapid differentiation from progenitor cells (preosteoblasts/skeletoblasts) to hypertrophic chondrocytes. The expression of three transcription factors related to bone and cartilage formation, namely Runx2, Osterix and Sox9, was investigated at the onset of mouse mandibular condylar cartilage formation by in situ hybridization. Messenger RNAs for these three molecules were expressed in the condylar anlage, consisting of preosteoblasts/skeletoblasts, at embryonic day (E)14. Hypertrophic chondrocytes appeared at E15 as soon as cartilage tissue appeared. Runx2 mRNA was expressed in the embryonic zone at the posterior position of the newly formed cartilage, in the bone collar and in the newly formed cartilage, but expression intensity in the newly formed cartilage was slightly weaker. Osterix mRNA was also expressed in the embryonic zone and in the bone collar, but was at markedly lower levels in the newly formed cartilage. Sox9 mRNA was continuously expressed from the embryonic zone to the newly formed cartilage. At this stage, Sox5 mRNA was expressed only in the newly formed cartilage. These results suggest that reduced expression of Osterix in combination with Sox9–Sox5 expression is important for the onset of condylar (secondary) cartilage formation.
Plasma membrane anion channels in higher plants and their putative functions in roots
Authors: Roberts Stephen K. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryRecent years have seen considerable progress in identifying anion channel activities in higher plant cells. This review outlines the functional properties of plasma membrane anion channels in plant cells and discusses their likely roles in root function. Plant anion channels can be grouped according to their voltage dependence and kinetics: (1) depolarization‐activated anion channels which mediate either anion efflux (R and S types) or anion influx (outwardly rectifying type); (2) hyperpolarization‐activated anion channels which mediate anion efflux, and (3) anion channels activated by light or membrane stretch. These types of anion channel are apparent in root cells where they may function in anion homeostasis, membrane stabilization, osmoregulation, boron tolerance and regulation of passive salt loading into the xylem vessels. In addition, roots possess anion channels exhibiting unique properties which are consistent with them having specialized functions in root physiology. Most notable are the organic anion selective channels, which are regulated by extracellular Al3+or the phosphate status of the plant. Finally, although the molecular identities of plant anion channels remain elusive, the diverse electrophysiological properties of plant anion channels suggest that large and diverse multigene families probably encode these channels.ContentsSummary647I.Introduction648II.Overview of higher plant plasma membrane anion channels648III.Anion channels in higher plant roots655IV.Conclusions and prospects661Acknowledgements662References662
J. M. Keynes and the Postwar International Economic Order
Authors: Newton Scott 
Published: January 2006

AbstractKeynes was at the heart of efforts to establish a reformed international economy after World War Two. But the outcome of his efforts left him a disappointed man. Although the postwar international economic architecture owed much to Keynes it fell short of his ideals. It is arguable that international politics had as much to do with the era of expansion as the Bretton Woods institutions, and that even today the world has not yet grasped the full extent of the Keynesian challenge.
Images of the Merovingians and Carolingians
Authors: Bouchard Constance B. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractFor over a millennium, the perception of the role and achievements of the Merovingian and Carolingian dynasties, those that ruled the Franks from the mid‐fifth to the late tenth century, was heavily shaped by writers working at the Carolingian court. These publicists sought to establish that the previous dynasty was made up of uncivilized incompetents, in strong contrast to their own ruling dynasty. Recently historians have begun examining this characterization not as a simple description of fact but rather as part of a conscious ninth‐century plan to glorify the Carolingians. The Merovingians are now seen less as barbarians and more as Romanized Christians. Although historians do not denigrate the quite real Carolingian achievements, they are now analyzing the many models, from the kings of ancient Israel to the Caesars, to which the emperors were compared by their publicists.
Trigger Points in the Suboccipital Muscles and Forward Head Posture in Tension‐Type Headache
Authors: Fernández‐de‐las‐Peñas César , Alonso‐Blanco Cristina , Cuadrado Maria Luz , Gerwin Robert D. , Pareja Juan A. 
Published: January 2006

Objective.—To assess the presence of trigger points (TrPs) in the suboccipital muscles and forward head posture (FHP) in subjects with chronic tension‐type headache (CTTH) and in healthy subjects, and to evaluate the relationship of TrPs and FHP with headache intensity, duration, and frequency.Background.—Tension‐type headache (TTH) is a prototypical headache in which myofascial TrPs in the cervical and pericranial musculature can play an important role.Design.—A blinded, controlled pilot study.Methods.—Twenty CTTH subjects and 20 matched controls without headache participated. TrPs were identified by eliciting referred pain with palpation, and increased referred pain with muscle contraction. Side‐view pictures of each subject were taken in sitting and standing positions, in order to assess FHP by measuring the craniovertebral angle. Both measures were taken by a blinded assessor. A headache diary was kept for 4 weeks in order to assess headache intensity, frequency, and duration.Results.—Sixty‐five percent (13/20) CTTH subjects showed active TrPs and 35% (7/20) had latent TrPs in the suboccipital muscles. Six (30%) controls also had latent TrPs. Differences in the presence of suboccipital muscle TrPs between both the groups were significant for active TrPs (P < .001) but not for latent TrPs (P > .5). CTTH subjects with active TrPs reported a greater headache intensity and frequency than those with latent TrPs (P < .05). The degree of FHP was greater in CTTH subjects than in controls in both sitting and standing positions (P < .01). Within the CTTH group, there was a negative correlation between the craniovertebral angle and the frequency of headache (rs=−0.6, P < .01, in sitting position; rs=−0.5, P < .05, in standing position). CTTH subjects with active TrPs had a greater FHP than those with latent TrPs, though this difference was not significant.Conclusions.—Suboccipital active TrPs and FHP were associated with CTTH. CCTH subjects with active TrPs reported a greater headache intensity and frequency than those with latent TrPs. The degree of FHP correlated positively with headache duration, headache frequency, and the presence of suboccipital active TrPs.
Migraines Linked to Intrapulmonary Right‐to‐Left Shunt
Authors: Thenganatt John , Schneiderman Jacob , Hyland Robert H. , Edmeads John , Mandzia Jennifer L. , Faughnan Marie E. 
Published: January 2006

Objective.—To determine if there is an association between migraines and intrapulmonary right‐to‐left shunt.Background.—Several studies have described an association between migraines and intracardiac right‐to‐left shunt.Methods.—Patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) were retrospectively recruited from the Toronto Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia Center Clinical Database. All patients had been prospectively, systematically asked about a history of migraines and systematically screened for pulmonary and cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). All patients with a definite diagnosis of HHT, assessed during a 2‐year period (February 1997 to April 1999), were included. Univariate analyses and logistic regression were performed, for migraine as the dependent variable and the following independent variables: age, sex, pulmonary AVMs, and cerebral AVMs.Results.—Of the 200 patients assessed during the 2‐year period, 124 (62%) had a definite diagnosis of HHT and were included in the analysis. Eighty (65%) were females. Forty‐seven (38%) of the HHT patients had a history of migraine, of whom 38 (81%) had migraine with aura. The prevalence of migraine was greater in patients with pulmonary AVMs (46%) compared to patients without pulmonary AVMs (33%), OR = 1.7 (0.8 to 3.6), though this did not reach statistical significance (P= .14). Pulmonary AVMs were significantly associated with migraine (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.1 to 5.5, P= .04), after adjustment for age and sex, using logistic regression.Conclusions.—There is a significant association between intrapulmonary right‐to‐left shunt and migraine.
Could Statins Be Useful in the Treatment of Patients With Migraine?
Authors: Liberopoulos Evagelos N. , Mikhailidis Dimitris P. 
Published: January 2006

Migraine is a common and disabling neurological disorder. Studies have shown that patients with migraine (especially those with typical aura with migraine) have an unfavorable cardiovascular risk profile and an increased risk of early‐onset (<45 years) ischemic stroke. Statins are effective hypolipidemic drugs that reduce cardiovascular‐related morbidity and death in patients with or without established atherosclerotic vascular disease.We report a patient whose frequent attacks of typical aura with migraine completely resolved after the initiation of treatment with a statin. In this context, we comment on the possible effects of statins on the pathophysiology of migraine.We suggest that statins may be useful drugs in the treatment of migraine because they could reduce the increased cardiovascular risk in these patients and also attenuate migraine attacks. Only a randomized prospective study in this population could provide a definite answer to these speculations.
Patterns of Genetic Variation in the Hypertension Candidate Gene GRK4: Ethnic Variation and Haplotype Structure
Authors: Lohmueller K. E. , Wong L. J. C. , Mauney M. M. , Jiang L. , Felder R. A. , Jose P. A. , Williams S. M. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryAssociation studies using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have the potential to help unravel the genetic basis of hypertension. Nevertheless, to date, association studies of hypertension have yielded ambiguous results. It is becoming clear that such association studies must be interpreted within the context of the genetic structure of the populations being studied, and patterns of variation within specific genomic regions. With this in mind we analyzed genetic variation in the G protein‐coupled receptor kinase 4 (GRK4) gene, a gene whose product has recently been shown to inhibit the dopamine receptor D1 (DRD1) from increasing sodium excretion. We genotyped three previously identified GRK4 SNPs, as well as ten additional SNPs, over 71.6 kb of the GRK4 locus in four populations: African Americans, Asians, Hispanics and Caucasians. Haplotype structure varied among populations, with Hispanics and Caucasians having the most linkage disequilibrium (LD) among SNPs. African Americans had three shorter haplotype blocks, while patterns of markers in the Asian populations demonstrated less LD among markers, a pattern inconsistent with block structure. We observed limited haplotype diversity in each of the four populations, with differing haplotype frequencies among the ethnic groups. We also found substantial evidence for population differentiation, with the largest differences between the African‐American and Asian samples with FST values in the upper 90th percentile when compared to a genome‐wide distribution. However, for all population comparisons, FST values decreased sharply in the 3′ region of the gene. This pattern of differentiation among populations is consistent with selection in this part of the gene maintaining similar patterns of variation among otherwise divergent populations. Our results document not only different allele frequencies between populations, but differences in haplotype structure that may be important in evaluating association studies between hypertension and GRK4.
Point Mutation of an EYA1‐gene Splice Site in a Patient with Oto‐facio‐cervical Syndrome
Authors: Estefanía E. , Ramírez‐Camacho R. , Gomar M. , Trinidad A. , Arellano B. , García‐Berrocal J. R. , Verdaguer J. M. , Vilches C. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryMutations of the EYA1 gene (8q13.3) are the most common known cause of the branchio‐oto‐renal dysplasia (BOR), an autosomal dominant disease that includes developmental defects of branchial arch structures, middle and/or inner ear and kidney. The distinction between BOR and other dysplasias, such as oto‐facio‐cervical syndrome (OFC), is challenged by frequent association of the former to other diverse malformations, and by variable expressivity even within the same family. OFC is characterized by trophic alterations of the facies and shoulder girdle in addition to the malformations seen in BOR. Recent characterization of one OFC patient shed some light on the controversy over whether OFC and BOR are the same disease, and led to the hypothesis that OFC is caused by contiguous deletions of EYA1 and adjacent genes. By contrast, we show here that an OFC patient bears a single‐nucleotide substitution in a splice site of EYA1. Our results indicate that not only major rearrangements, but also point mutations altering the EYA1 reading frame, can be found in patients with OFC syndrome.
In vivo recovery and survival of apheresis and whole blood‐derived platelets: a paired comparison in healthy volunteers
Authors: Arnold Donald M. , Heddle Nancy M. , Kulczycky Myron , Carruthers Julie , Sigouin Christopher , Blajchman Morris A. 
Published: January 2006

BACKGROUND: Methods of platelet preparation may alter the recovery and survival characteristics of platelets following transfusion. As suggested by a recent clinical trial, platelet recovery may be better preserved with apheresis platelet preparations than with platelets prepared from whole blood by the platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) method.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In vivo platelet recovery and survival of autologous leukoreduced (LR) apheresis platelets and autologous filter‐LR PRP platelets were compared in 22 healthy volunteers using a paired crossover design. On the same day, each participant gave one apheresis platelet donation and one whole blood donation from which platelets were recovered from the PRP. The sequence of donations was randomly assigned for each participant. Following 5 days of storage and bacterial screening, a sample from each platelet product was labeled with either 51chromium or 111indium (randomly assigned) and both samples were simultaneously re‐infused into the original donor. Recovery and γ‐function platelet survival were calculated for each platelet product using the multiple hit mathematical model.RESULTS: Five day stored LR‐apheresis platelets had 18.8 percent better recovery, and 32.9 percent longer γ‐survival than filter‐LR PRP platelets. Stored apheresis platelets had lower p‐selectin expression and higher morphology scores than stored PRP platelets.CONCLUSIONS: Filter‐LR PRP platelet preparation appears to adversely affect platelet recovery and survival characteristics. The reasons for this effect are not clear. These results may not apply to all apheresis and PRP methods of platelet preparation.
Demographic characteristics and risks for transfusion‐transmissible infection among blood donors in Xinjiang autonomous region, People's Republic of China
Authors: Zaller Nickolas , Nelson Kenrad E. , Ness Paul , Wen Guoxing , Kewir Turgun , Bai Xuhua , Shan Hua 
Published: January 2006

BACKGROUND: The recruitment and retention of voluntary, nonremunerated blood donors continues to be a challenge in China. Understanding donor demographics and donor characteristics is crucial for any blood center in developing strategies to recruit potential donors.STUDY DESIGN and METHODS: The study population included all 29,784 whole blood donors from January 1 to December 31, 2003, at the Urumqi City Blood Center or one of its mobile blood collection buses. Demographic data, location, and frequency of donation and results of testing for transfusion‐transmissible infection (TTI) were evaluated.RESULTS: The typical blood donor in Urumqi is male, less than 36 years of age, and Han Chinese; has at least a high school education; is a first‐time donor; and donated at a mobile blood collection bus. The majority, 71 percent, were first‐time donors. Among all donors, the seropreva‐lence rate of TTI was 3.5 percent for first‐time donors, 2.7 percent for donors who donated twice, and 2.1 percent for donors who had donated three or more times. Han Chinese had lower seroprevalence rates of TTIs than ethnic minorities. Lower seroprevalence rates of TTIs were found among donors at mobile buses than at the blood centers.CONCLUSION: Similar to other donor populations, higher rates of TTIs were observed among first‐time donors, and the prevalence decreased among repeated donors. One possible strategy for improving the safety of the blood supply might be for the blood center to recruit a cadre of donors who donate repeatedly, instead of relying on campaigns to recruit new donors from workplaces at each donation cycle.
Transfusion of 7‐day‐old amotosalen photochemically treated buffy‐coat platelets to patients with thrombocytopenia: a pilot study
Authors: Simonsen Anne C. , Johansson Pär I. , Conlan Maureen G. , Jacquet Michele , Lin Jin‐Sying , Junge Klaus , Lin Lily , Sørensen Henning , Borregaard Niels , Flament Jocelyne 
Published: January 2006

BACKGROUND:  Photochemical treatment (PCT) of platelets (PLTs) with amotosalen and ultraviolet A light to inactivate bacteria may facilitate extension of storage from 5 to 7 days.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  A randomized, double‐blinded, crossover, noninferiority, single‐site pilot study utilizing pooled buffy‐coat PLTs was conducted. The primary endpoint was the 1‐hour corrected count increment (CCI) after one transfusion each of 7‐day‐old PCT and reference (R) PLT components. Secondary endpoints included 1‐hour count increment, time to next transfusion, hemostasis, transfusion reactions, and serious adverse events.RESULTS:  Twenty patients with thrombocytopenia were randomly assigned: 9 to the PCT‐R sequence and 11 to the R‐PCT sequence. A significant treatment‐by‐period interaction was observed. Therefore, the first period only was also analyzed for the primary endpoint. Including both treatment periods, mean 1‐hour CCI was 6587 ± 4531 for PCT versus 8935 ± 5478 for R‐PLTs. For the first period only, mean 1‐hour CCI was 8739 ± 3785 for PCT versus 7433 ± 5408 for R‐PLTs. The upper bound of the one‐sided 95 percent confidence interval of 2400 for the mean difference was higher than the specified noninferiority margin of 2200 for both analyses. Overall median time to next transfusion was 22 hours for PCT versus 27 hours for R‐PLTs. Hemostasis was adequate and no transfusion reactions or serious adverse events were reported.CONCLUSIONS:  Although this pilot study of a limited number of patients failed to show noninferiority within the specified noninferiority margin, 7‐day‐old PCT PLTs showed acceptable efficacy and safety for support of thrombocytopenia. The results, however, warrant evaluation in a larger trial of 7‐day‐old PCT PLTs.