bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring and Motivating Quantity, Creativity, or Both
Authors: KACHELMEIER STEVEN J. , REICHERT BERNHARD E. , WILLIAMSON MICHAEL G. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTWe examine how worker productivity differs when compensation is based on quantity, creativity, or the product of both measures. In an experiment in which participants design “rebus puzzles,” we find that combining quantity and creativity measures in a creativity‐weighted pay scheme results in creativity‐weighted productivity scores that are significantly lower than those generated by participants with quantity incentives alone. Follow‐up analysis indicates that relative to participants in the quantity‐only condition, participants in the creativity‐weighted condition produce approximately the same number of high‐creativity puzzles, but produce significantly fewer puzzles overall. Thus, while participants rewarded for creativity‐weighted output tend to restrict their production to high‐creativity efforts, they are unable to translate this focus into a greater volume of high‐creativity output. Implications address a possible explanation for firms' reluctance to incorporate creativity measures within multidimensional performance measurement systems, notwithstanding published suggestions to do so.
Marking‐to‐Market: Panacea or Pandora's Box?
Authors: PLANTIN GUILLAUME , SAPRA HARESH , SHIN HYUN SONG 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTFinancial institutions have been at the forefront of the debate on the controversial shift in international standards from historical cost accounting to mark‐to‐market accounting. We show that the trade‐offs at stake in this debate are far from one‐sided. While the historical cost regime leads to some inefficiencies, marking‐to‐market may lead to other types of inefficiencies by injecting artificial risk that degrades the information value of prices, and induces suboptimal real decisions. We construct a framework that can weigh the pros and cons. We find that the damage done by marking‐to‐market is greatest when claims are (1) long–lived, (2) illiquid, and (3) senior. These are precisely the attributes of the key balance sheet items of banks and insurance companies. Our results therefore shed light on why banks and insurance companies have been the most vocal opponents of the shift to marking‐to‐market.
Politics and Society in The Gambia since Independence
Authors: Perfect David 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThis article examines politics in The Gambia since it achieved its independence from Britain in 1965. The Gambia was the longest continuously surviving multi‐party democracy in Africa until a successful military coup in 1994, with civilian rule being restored in 1996. The article explores political developments under its two post‐colonial leaders, Sir Dawda Jawara (1965–94) and Yahya Jammeh (1994–) in detail, discussing the major Gambian political parties and their performance in national elections; the military coups of 1981 and 1994; and other key events. The overall performance of both governments, in terms of economic and social developments and human rights, is also assessed.
Giant Bilateral Becker Nevus: A Rare Presentation
Authors: Khatami Alireza , Seradj Mehran Heydari , Gorouhi Farzam , Firooz Alireza , Dowlati Yahya 
Published: February 2008

Abstract: A 14‐year‐old boy had giant confluent brown patches that were bilaterally distributed on his back, chest, and upper arms, and partially covered by dark coarse hairs. A clinical diagnosis of Becker nevus was made and confirmed histopathologically. We report this patient for the rarity of presentation. Different clinical features of Becker nevi, associated findings, differential diagnoses, and treatment options are discussed.
The Disabled Doctors Program of Georgia
Authors: Talbott G. Douglas 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYGeorgia's statewide medical society program to aid physicians suffering from the disease of chemical dependency, drug abuse and psychiatric disorders is presented and reviewed after one year of operation. Its applicability to other state's Disabled Doctors Programs is suggested. Though still administratively and operationally improving and evolving, the efficacy of the program is attested to by the fact that one physician per month is being placed back in practice.
Ethanol Withdrawal: Altered Ambient Temperature Selection in Rats
Authors: Brick John , Pohorecky Larissa A. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYEthanol withdrawal in rats previously on an ethanol‐containing diet for 6 wk resulted in prolonged (4–6 days) alteration in ambient temperature selection. When placed in a T‐maze with a cold (2° C), a neutral (19° C), and a warm (30° C) alley, control and ethanol‐imbibing animals chose to remain in the neutral alley. In contrast, during and up to 6 days after ethanol withdrawal, animals consistently preferred the warm alley of the T‐maze. The withdrawal animals showed less locomotor activity, but lack of mobility, differences in body temperature, and direct disturbances in central monoamines probably were not responsible for the warm‐alley preference. Impaired ambient temperature selection was less if animals were on the ethanol‐containing diet for only 2 wk. It is suggested that longer lasting hormonal and/or metabolic derangements were possibly responsible for the impaired ambient temperature selection by animals undergoing withdrawal from ethanol.
Disulfiram Therapy in Alcoholism: Patient Compliance Studied with a Urine‐Detection Procedure
Authors: Gordis Enoch , Peterson Karen 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYA simple urine test to verify disulfiram (Antabuse®) use has been developed. Compliance with disulfiram therapy was determined in 95 consecutive abstinent alcoholic patients in an outpatient clinic. All patients were allegedly taking disulfiram. Twenty percent of them were found not to be using the drug, even though they said they were. Disulfiram is unusual because it is probably the patient's belief that he is taking it that is therapeutic, not the action of the drug. Because of this, it is difficult to incorporate placebo controls and double‐blind procedures into studies of disulfiram efficacy. However, with any research design, no conclusions will be valid if based solely on patients' reports of use.
Platelet count is a sensitive predictor of autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell collection yield in previously treated plasma cell disease patients
Authors: Zubair Abba C. , Grant Rhonda , Wu Wenting , Tun Han , Rivera Candido , Moreno‐Aspitia Alvaro , Joyce Michael , Roy Vivek , Colon‐Otero Gerardo , Solberg Lawrence A. 
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND: It is often a clinical dilemma to determine when to collect autologous peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPCs) in patients who received prior chemotherapy. It is also challenging to predict if the collected cells will be enough for one or two transplants.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 103 PBPC donors were followed to evaluate factors that predict poor autologous PBPC collection. The donors were categorized into three groups: plasma cell disorders (PCDs), lymphomas, and normal allogeneic donors.RESULTS: Our evaluation showed that platelet (PLT) count before growth factor administration significantly correlated with total CD34+ cell yield (Spearman r = 0.38, p < 0.001). Further analysis showed this correlation was only significant in plasma cell disease patients who received prior chemotherapy (Spearman r = 0.5, p = 0.008). Baseline PLT counts did not correlate with PBPC collection yield in untreated PCD, lymphoma, and normal allogeneic donors. In addition, daily PLT count during PBPC harvest correlated with CD34+ cell yield for that day (Spearman r = 0.41, p < 0.001). With a multiple linear regression model (adjusted R2 = 0.31, AIC = 63.1), it has been determined that the baseline PLT count significantly correlates with total CD34+ cell yield in treated PCD patients.CONCLUSION: Baseline PLT count is a sensitive indicator of autologous PBPC mobilization in PCD patients who received prior chemotherapy. This finding may be considered before growth factor administration to determine the optimal period to mobilize treated PCD patients and to predict if enough cells can be collected for one or two transplants.
Odor‐based recognition of nectar in cursorial spiders
Authors: Patt Joseph M. , Pfannenstiel Robert S. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractCarnivorous arthropods are known to rely on non‐prey foods, such as honeydew, pollen, and nectar. Consumption of plant‐based nutrients by spiders also appears to be widespread, especially in cursorial species. This is not surprising, as studies have shown that these spiders’ activity levels, survivorship, and reproduction are increased when their diet includes plant‐based nutrients, especially under conditions of prey scarcity. However, the sensory and behavioral means by which they recognize and locate non‐prey food is unknown. Here we show that immatures of a nectarivorous spider [Hibana futilis Banks (Araneae: Anyphaenidae)] can recognize and remember particular chemical stimuli associated with nectar. Following ingestion of minute amounts of sugar, these spiders exhibited counterturning and other local searching behaviors that increased their chances of finding more nectar. When placed on test arenas, spiders that were naïve with respect to nectar aroma located artificial nectaries composed of diluted honey significantly faster than unscented nectaries composed of 1 m sucrose solution. These results indicate that H. futilis is neurophysiologically and behaviorally adapted for recognizing olfactory stimuli. Interestingly, only spiders that ingested sugar and were engaged in local search responded to nectar aroma, suggesting that stimulation into local search is necessary to prime olfactory responses. We found that H. futilis could be conditioned to associate the presence of nectar with a novel aroma, in this case vanilla, and remember this aroma over the course of several hours. In arenas with vanilla‐scented nectaries, spiders that had previous experience feeding on vanilla‐scented sucrose droplets located the nectaries significantly faster than did vanilla‐naïve spiders. The capacity to remember specific aromas could enhance the spiders’ ability to find nectar, either when moving between different parts of the same plant or among different plant species. The results here indicate that nectarivorous spiders possess the sensory capabilities and programed behaviors necessary for efficient detection, recognition, and location of nectar sources.
Effect of photoperiod experienced by parents on diapause induction in Trichogramma cacoeciae
Authors: Pizzol Jeannine , Pintureau Bernard 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIn the genus Trichogramma, the prepupal stage can survive the cold season in diapause. However, optimal conditions for the induction of this cessation of development during the process of mass production of the parasitoid in a biological control program depend on the species. In Trichogramma cacoeciae Marchal (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), diapause is induced more easily if the parents are reared under short‐day conditions (L10:D14), and if the temperature is 10 °C rather than 13 °C. However, the effect of parental photoperiod on diapause induction is weaker at lower temperatures (10 °C). Following diapause induction, individuals can be stored at 3 °C for several months, up to 1 year. Non‐optimal conditions led to the establishment of a quiescent state in some or all individuals. In such cases, it was necessary to reduce the storage period to 1 or 2 months only, to prevent high mortality rates and low fecundity.
Chondroitin sulphate decreases collagen synthesis in normal and scleroderma fibroblasts through a Smad‐independent TGF‐β pathway – implication of C‐Krox and Sp1
Authors: Renard Emmanuelle , Chadjichristos Christos , Kypriotou Magdalini , Beauchef Gallic , Bordat Pascal , Dompmartin Anne , Widom Russell L. , Boumediene Karim , Pujol Jean‐Pierre , Galéra Philippe 
Published: February 2008

AbstractDespite several investigations, the transcriptional mechanisms which regulate the expression of both type I collagen genes (COL1A1 and COL1A2) in either physiological or pathological situations, such as scleroderma, are not completely known. In this study, we determined the effects of both native ichtyan chondroïtin sulphate (CS) and its derived hydrolytic fragments (CSf) on human normal (NF) and scleroderma (SF) fibroblasts. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that CS and CSf exert an inhibitory effect on type I collagen protein synthesis and decrease the corresponding mRNA steady‐state levels of COL1A1 and COL1A2 in NF and SF. These glycosaminoglycan molecules repress COL1A1 gene transcription through a ‐112/‐61 bp sequence upstream the start site of transcription and imply hc‐Krox and Sp1 transcription factors. In addition, CS and CSf induced a down‐regulation of TβRI expression. As a conclusion, our findings highlight a possible new role for CS and CSf as anti‐fibrotic molecules and could help in elucidating the mechanisms of action by which CS and CSf exert their inhibitory effect on type I collagen synthesis.
Adipose stem cells for intervertebral disc regeneration: current status and concepts for the future
Authors: Hoogendoorn R. J. W. , Lu Z. F. , Kroeze R. J. , Bank R. A. , Wuisman P. I. , Helder M. N. 
Published: February 2008

Introduction
Degenerative disc disease and emerging biological treatment approaches
Stem cell sources
Integration of ASC‐based regenerative medicine and surgery
In vitro studies
In vivo studies
Perspective
Conclusions
AbstractNew regenerative treatment strategies are being developed for intervertebral disc degeneration of which the implantation of various cell types is promising. All cell types used so far require in vitro expansion prior to clinical use, as these cells are only limited available. Adipose‐tissue is an abundant, expendable and easily accessible source of mesenchymal stem cells. The use of these cells therefore eliminates the need for in vitro expansion and subsequently one‐step regenerative treatment strategies can be developed. Our group envisioned, described and evaluated such a one‐step procedure for spinal fusion in the goat model. In this review, we summarize the current status of cell‐based treatments for intervertebral disc degeneration and identify the additional research needed before adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells can be evaluated in a one‐step procedure for regenerative treatment of the intervertebral disc. We address the selection of stem cells from the stromal vascular fraction, the specific triggers needed for cell differentiation and potential suitable scaffolds. Although many factors need to be studied in more detail, potential application of a one‐step procedure for intervertebral disc regeneration seems realistic.
Caspases as therapeutic targets
Authors: Howley B. , Fearnhead H.O. 
Published: February 2008

Introduction
Activation of caspases
Small molecule inhibitors of caspase activity and activation
Role of caspases in disease
Challenges facing the development of caspase therapeutics
Role of caspases in other aspects of cell death
Role of caspases in non‐apoptotic and non‐inflammatory processes
The future of caspase therapeutics

AbstractThe development of small molecules to modulate caspase activity offers a novel therapeutic strategy in the treatment of apoptosis‐related and inflammatory diseases. Caspases are key mediators of apoptosis and inflammation; deregulation of their activation or expression can lead to the development of conditions such as neurodegenerative and autoinflammatory disorders. This review details the different caspase‐associated disorders while focusing on caspase‐1 inhibition as a potential therapeutic strategy. Problems facing the development of effective and safe caspase therapeutics will also be addressed.
Effect of a long‐term treatment with a low‐dose granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor on post‐infarction process in the heart
Authors: Okada Hideshi , Takemura Genzou , Li Yiwen , Ohno Takamasa , Li Longhu , Maruyama Rumi , Esaki Masayasu , Miyata Shusaku , Kanamori Hiromitsu , Ogino Atsushi , Nakagawa Munehiro , Minatoguchi Shinya , Fujiwara Takako , Fujiwara Hisayoshi 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAlthough beneficial effects of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) have been demonstrated on post‐myocardia infarction (MI) process, the mechanisms and feasibility are not fully agreed yet. We investigated effects of a long‐term treatment with a low‐dose G‐CSF started 1 day after the onset of MI, on post‐infarction process. One day after being made MI by left coronary ligation, mice were given G‐CSF (10 μg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. The G‐CSF treatment resulted in a significant mitigation of cardiac remodelling and dysfunction. In the G‐CSF‐treated hearts, the infarcted scar was smaller with less fibrosis and abundant vessels while in the non‐infarcted area, hypertrophic cardiomyocytes with attenuated degenerative changes and reduced fibrosis were apparent. These effects were accompanied by activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and Akt and also by up‐regulation of GATA‐4, myosin heavy chain and matrix metalloproteinases‐2 and ‐9. Apoptosis of cardiomyocytes appeared insignificant at any stages. Parthenolide, a STAT3 inhibitor, completely abolished the beneficial effects of G‐CSF on cardiac function and remodelling with loss of effect on both anti‐cardiomyocyte degeneration and anti‐fibrosis. In contrast, wortmannin, an Akt inhibitor, did not affect G‐CSF‐induced benefis despite cancelling vessel increase. In conclusion, treatment with G‐CSF at a small dose but for a long duration beneficially affects the post‐infarction process possibly through STAT3‐mediated anti‐cardiomyocyte degeneration and anti‐fibrosis, but not through anti‐cardiomyocyte apoptosis or Akt‐mediated angio‐genesis. The findings may also imply a more feasible way of G‐CSF administration in the clinical settings.
Is nickel allergy an occupational disease? Discussion of the occupational relevance of a type IV allergy to nickel (II) sulfate using case reports
Authors: Tanko Zita , Diepgen Thomas L. , Weisshaar Elke 
Published: February 2008

SummaryType IV sensitization to nickel (II) sulfate is common in the general population. Nickel can be found in different metals leading to occupational exposition in industrial professions.The individual clinical relevance of nickel allergy can easily be identified but it can be difficult to assess if nickel allergy was acquired privately or occupationally. The problem if nickel allergy fulfills the criteria of an occupational skin disease is presented in three case reports. The occupational relevance of a type IV sensitization to nickel in a chemical laboratory assistant, a flight attendant and a cashier are discussed. Important conditions for acquiring nickel allergy are contact with nickel‐plated and nickel‐releasing materials, the kind of skin contact, the status of the epidermal barrier, and the individual working conditions with an increased bioavailability of nickel. In cases of type IV sensitization to nickel, the affected person cannot continue to work in metal plating or with contact to nickel‐plated metals.The causal relationship between the type IV sensitization to nickel and the occupation needs to be clarified in each individual case. In general, occupationally caused nickel allergy is rare and the occupational relevance of nickel allergy is often overestimated.
Quality of Erections in Men Treated with Flexible-Dose Sildenafil for Erectile Dysfunction: Multicenter Trial with a Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Phase and an Open-Label Phase
Authors: Kadioglu Ates , Grohmann Walther , Depko Andrzej , Levinson Ivan P. , Sun Franklin , Collins Suzanne 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) impacts erection hardness and compromises quality of life.

Aim
Assess erection hardness and its correlation with sexual function, emotional well-being, and satisfaction (erection quality, intercourse, sex life, sexual relationship, and treatment).

Methods
Men with ED were randomized to double-blind, flexible-dose sildenafil (25, 50, or 100 mg) or placebo (6 weeks) with open-label extension (6 weeks).

Main Outcome Measures
Erection Hardness Score (EHS), Quality of Erection Questionnaire (QEQ), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Self-Esteem And Relationship (SEAR) questionnaire, and Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS).

Results
A total of 307 men (mean [range] age, 45 [18–55] years) were randomized to sildenafil (N=154) or placebo (N=153). At the end of double-blind treatment, occasions with EHS 3 (hard enough for penetration but not completely hard) or 4 (completely hard) had increased by 40% ± 3% for sildenafil vs. 11% ± 3% for placebo (least squares mean ± standard error; P &lt;0.0001); the estimated percentage of occasions with EHS 4 was 58% (95% CI, 52–65%) vs. 14% (95% CI, 10–19%) (odds ratio, 8.5; P &lt;0.0001). There was greater improvement in mean QEQ, IIEF, and SEAR scores (P &lt;0.0001), and more men were satisfied with sildenafil treatment (EDITS Index score &gt;50: 90% vs. 49%). QEQ, IIEF, SEAR, and EDITS outcomes correlated positively with EHS 3 or 4, and with EHS 4 alone and were highest (no overlap of 95% CI vs. other EHS subgroups) in the subgroup with most frequent EHS of 4.

Conclusions
In the group of men with ED treated with sildenafil, it was estimated that completely hard erections were achieved on 58% (95% CI, 52–65%) of occasions. Improvement in function, emotional well-being, and satisfaction was greatest in men with completely hard erections and correlated positively with other measures of hardness.
Torsion of the Penis in Adults: Prevalence and Surgical Correction
Authors: Shaeer Osama 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Torsion of the penis is a condition where the penis rotates around its longitudinal axis, whether congenital or acquired. Extreme degrees may provoke a cosmetic complaint.

Aim
We describe surgical correction of congenital torsion of the penis in adults, and its prevalence among a special patient group.

Main Outcome Measures
Success and ease of surgical repair.

Methods
Sixteen cases with congenital torsion were operated upon, by counter-rotation, using a dartos flap in eight cases, and skin realignment in the other eight. The prevalence of congenital torsion was examined in 12,307 patients attending two andrology clinics.

Results
Full correction was achieved in all cases. Skin realignment was easier and faster than dartos flap, and was equally effective. Congenital torsion was present in 11.993% of the epidemiologic study group, mild in 80%, moderate in 15%, and severe in 5%. Only 2.2% was bothered by the condition.

Conclusion
Torsion of the penis is not uncommon but rarely provokes a complaint. Surgical repair by degloving and skin realignment is effective and easy. Dartos flap technique may be utilized if the former is inadequate.