bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Guaranteed Manufactured without Child Labor: The Economics of Consumer Boycotts, Social Labeling and Trade Sanctions
Authors: Basu Arnab K. , Chau Nancy H. , Grote Ulrike 
Published: July 2006

AbstractDoes labeling products “Child‐Labor Free” provide a market‐based solution to the pervasive employment of child labor? This paper explores the promise of social labeling in the context of its four oft‐noted objectives: child labor employment, consumer information, welfare, and trade linkages, when competition between the North and South is based both on comparative cost advantage, and the use of child labor as a hidden product attribute. We show that (i) social labeling benefits consumers and Southern producers, whereas children and Northern producers are worse off; (ii) trade sanctions on unlabeled products deteriorates Southern terms of trade, but leaves the incidence of child labor strictly unaffected; and (iii) a threat to sanction imports of unlabeled Southern products discourages the South from maintaining a credible social labeling program. We also explore the question of whether social labeling should be viewed as a transitory or a permanent institution in developing economies.
Are Donor Countries Giving More or Less Aid?
Authors: Gupta Sanjeev , Pattillo Catherine , Wagh Smita 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe volume of foreign aid has increased during the last four decades, albeit with interruptions in certain years. Over time, the major recipients have changed: while the share of aid to Asia has diminished since the 1980s, that destined for sub‐Saharan Africa has grown. There is some evidence that, since the late 1990s, debt relief has assumed a larger share of the increased aid flows to sub‐Saharan Africa. The share of technical cooperation—a component of aid that is viewed as being driven by donors—has risen. More recently, there has been an increased emphasis on providing budget support to recipient governments, especially in the form of debt relief. Donor harmonization, national ownership of development plans, and sound policies on the part of the recipients are crucial for the aid to be effective in reducing poverty.
The Impact of Trade Liberalization on Enterprises in Small Backward Economies: the Case of Chad and Gabon
Authors: Navaretti Giorgio Barba , Faini Riccardo , Gauthier Bernard 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThis paper examines the impact of trade and fiscal reforms and of the 1994 devaluation of the CFA franc on enterprise development in Chad and Gabon. These reforms provide a natural experiment to assess the impact of trade liberalization in countries with a small and backward manufacturing sector. The empirical analysis is based on a new panel data base covering virtually the whole population of manufacturing firms in Chad and Gabon, and containing data spanning from the year before to two years after the reforms. The paper finds that although firms’ response to changing incentives was non‐negligible, with a shift of output from nontradable to tradable and an increase in productivity, the reform process was unable to generate a virtuous and self‐sustained circle, where export expansion brings a generalized productivity increase which in turn feeds on further export growth.
Non‐SCN5A Related Brugada Syndromes: Verification of Normal Splicing and Trafficking of SCN5A Without Exonic Mutations
Authors: Nakano Yukiko , Tashiro Satoshi , Kinoshita Eiji , Kinoshita–Kikuta Emiko , Takenaka Sou , Miyoshi Miwa , Ogi Hiroshi , Sakoda Eiichiro , Oda Noboru , Suenari Kazuyoshi , Tonouchi Yukiji , Okimoto Tomokazu , Hirai Yukoh , Miura Fumiharu , Yamaoka Kazuko , Koike Tohru , Chayama Kazuaki 
Published: July 2006

SummaryRecently, it has been reported that under 20% of Brugada syndrome cases are linked to SCN5A mutations. The purpose of this study was to clarify whether abnormalities other than exonic mutations, such as splicing disorders, decreased mRNA expression levels, or membrane transport abnormalities of SCN5A, play a role in the pathogenesis of Brugada syndrome.We analyzed all SCN5A exons and splice sites using genomic DNA from 23 Brugada syndrome patients. We also analyzed the mRNA obtained from RV cardiomyocytes using real time PCR and sequencing, to study the expression levels and splicing patterns of SCN5A. The localization of SCN5A was examined by immunofluorescence analysis.A de novo heterozygous G to A transversion in a 5′ splice junction of the intron between exons 21 and 22 was detected in 1 patient. In the mRNA analysis of Brugada syndrome patients without a mutation of SCN5A no splicing abnormalities were detected, and the SCN5A mRNA levels were similar to those of normal controls. Immunofluorescence analyses revealed that SCN5A is located on the surface membrane not only in the RV cardiomyocytes of normal controls but also in those with Brugada syndrome.We can confirm that some Brugada syndrome patients without exonic mutations in SCN5A had no other SCN5A abnormalities, including any involving the location of the SCN5A protein. These results suggest the involvement of other proteins in the pathogenesis in Brugada syndrome.
Standardization of Alcohol Calculations in Research
Authors: Brick John 
Published: July 2006

Background: Nonstandardized reporting of alcohol consumption, definitions of what constitutes a standard drink, and incomplete dosing or estimates of intoxication are common problems in many areas of alcohol research. To enhance communication among scientists and to make interpretation of results more accurate and meaningful, researchers need to apply systematically current scientific principles in calculating drinks, doses, and alcohol concentrations. Basic formulas are compiled and explained to assist alcohol researchers and standardize the reporting and interpretation of alcohol data.Methods: Basic alcohol calculations are reviewed, and 20 mathematical calculations in alcohol pharmacokinetics and pharmacology are derived. Examples of how each calculation works are presented.Results: The formulas presented enable researchers to calculate accurately and systematically the amount of alcohol in any beverage and estimate the blood alcohol concentration in a range of subjects with individual characteristics and drinking patterns.Conclusions: Accurate estimates of alcohol use and intoxication are important in many areas of research. Applying standards to the way alcohol is measured and interpreted enables better communication, more accurate analyses, and, in some cases, may impact the interpretation of results. Regardless of the field of study, alcohol researchers are encouraged to and can apply uniform standards in measuring alcohol consumption and estimating the effects of alcohol using the scientific methodologies described.
Neuroadaptations of Cdk5 in Cholinergic Interneurons of the Nucleus Accumbens and Prefrontal Cortex of Inbred Alcohol‐preferring Rats Following Voluntary Alcohol Drinking
Authors: Camp Marguerite Charlotte , Mayfield Roy Dayne , McCracken Mandy , McCracken Lindsay , Alcantara Adriana Angelica 
Published: July 2006

Background: Neurobiological studies have identified brain areas and related molecular mechanisms involved in alcohol abuse and dependence. Specific cell types in these brain areas and their role in alcohol‐related behaviors, however, have not yet been identified. This study examined the involvement of cholinergic cells in inbred alcohol‐preferring rats following 1 month of alcohol drinking. Cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) immunoreactivity (IR), a marker of neuronal plasticity, was examined in cholinergic neurons of the nucleus accumbens (NuAcc) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) and other brain areas implicated in alcohol drinking, using dual immunocytochemical (ICC) procedures. Single Cdk5 IR was also examined in several brain areas implicated in alcohol drinking.Methods: The experimental group self‐administered alcohol using a 2‐bottle‐choice test paradigm with unlimited access to 10% (v/v) alcohol and water for 23 h/d for 1 month. An average of 6 g/kg alcohol was consumed daily. Control animals received identical treatment, except that both bottles contained water. Rats were perfused and brain sections were processed for ICC procedures.Results: Alcohol drinking resulted in a 51% increase in Cdk5 IR cholinergic interneurons in the shell NuAcc, while in the PFC there was a 51% decrease in the percent of Cdk5 IR cholinergic interneurons in the infralimbic region and a 46% decrease in Cdk5 IR cholinergic interneurons in the prelimbic region. Additionally, single Cdk5 IR revealed a 42% increase in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CNA).Conclusions: This study identified Cdk5 neuroadaptation in cholinergic interneurons of the NuAcc and PFC and in other neurons of the CNA following 1 month of alcohol drinking. These findings contribute to our understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of alcohol drinking and toward the development of improved region and cell‐specific pharmacotherapeutic and behavioral treatment programs for alcohol abuse and alcoholism.
Is the Strength of Implicit Alcohol Associations Correlated with Alcohol‐induced Heart‐rate Acceleration?
Authors: Van Den Wildenberg Esther , Beckers Margreet , Van Lambaart Femke , Conrod Patricia J. , Wiers Reinout W. 
Published: July 2006

Background: Heart rate (HR) acceleration during the ascending limb of the blood alcohol curve has proven to be a reliable measure of the sensitivity to the activating effects of alcohol. In this study, we investigated the correlation between an ethanol‐induced cardiac change and the strength of implicit alcohol‐related arousal and approach associations and attentional bias for alcohol‐related stimuli in heavy drinkers. These 3 types of implicit alcohol‐related cognitions have been proposed to reflect the strength of incentive sensitization that is experienced after repeated alcohol use.Methods: Forty‐eight heavy drinking men performed a modified version of the Implicit Association Test (IAT) to measure their implicit alcohol arousal and approach–avoidance associations. A modified version of the emotional Stroop was used to measure attentional bias for alcohol‐related stimuli (blocked and unblocked). Next, a high dose of alcohol (1.0 mL/kg body weight 95% USP alcohol) was administered in a short period of time. Resting baseline HR, blood alcohol concentrations, mood, and craving for alcohol were assessed before alcohol administration and for 2 hours post–alcohol consumption.Results: Contrary to our hypothesis, a negative association was found between implicit arousal associations and alcohol‐induced HR change. This indicates that strong arousal associations were correlated with a decrease in alcohol‐induced HR. Approach associations and attentional bias were not correlated with alcohol‐induced HR change, but both were correlated positively with each other.Conclusions: Alcohol‐arousal associations and other implicit cognitions (attentional bias, approach associations) are not positively related to individual differences in the sensitivity to alcohol's activating effects, at least not in the present sample consisting primarily of family history‐negative heavy drinkers.
Comparison of hard tissue density changes around implants assessed in digitized conventional radiographs and subtraction images
Authors: Bittar‐Cortez Juliana Araujo , Passeri Luis Augusto , Bóscolo Frab Norberto , Haiter‐Neto Francisco 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjectives: The aim of this in vivo study was to compare peri‐implant bone density assessed by the mean gray value of the histogram in digitized conventional radiographs and two digital subtraction images (DSI) methods: linear and logarithmic.Material and methods: Thirty‐four patients were monitored by standardized periapical radiographs 1 week after surgery and 4 months later. The radiographs were digitized and manipulated by means of EMAGO® software. Linear and logarithmic DSI were obtained, and a filter was added to the logarithmic image. Control and test regions were selected and the mean value of the gray level of the histogram of these selected areas was obtained. This process was carried out in the digitized conventional radiographs (DCR) and the two methods of DSI. After that, the images were divided into two groups, with and without bone loss, and statistical analysis was performed.Results: The results indicate that differences between the jaws did not reach significance, in all the images and in the two groups with and without bone loss. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference between the radiographic density assessed in the DCR and the two methods of subtraction images.Conclusions: Monitoring of peri‐implant bone density by the mean gray value of the histogram in a selected area can be assessed either by linear and logarithmic DSI or by DCR.
Human Fallopian Tube Neutrophils – A Distinct Phenotype from Blood Neutrophils
Authors: Smith Jennifer M. , Wira Charles R. , Fanger Michael W. , Shen Li 
Published: July 2006

Problem  The role of neutrophils in the human Fallopian tube (FT) is unknown. In order to provide insights into their functions in the FT, we systematically compared neutrophils from normal FT and peripheral blood (PB).Method of study  Flow cytometric analysis of surface receptors, granule proteins, and intracellular cytokines expressed by neutrophils from enzymatically dispersed FT and PB was performed.Results  Fallopian tube neutrophils expressed significantly higher levels of CD64, human class II histocompatibility antigen DR (HLA‐DR), γ‐interferon, and vascular endothelial growth factor than those from PB. Fewer FT neutrophils expressed IL‐8 receptors compared to PB, while more expressed the receptor for the bacterial‐derived chemoattractant formyl‐Met‐Leu‐Phe (fMLP). The number of FT neutrophils containing the granule proteins matrix metalloproteinase‐9, lactoferrin, and myeloperoxidase was decreased versus PB.Conclusion  Fallopian tube neutrophils exhibit a phenotype distinct from PB neutrophils, suggesting functional activation of innate immune defense in the female reproductive tract as well as a potential role in maintaining normal FT physiology.
Prophylactic Therapy for Patients with Reproductive Failure Who were Positive for Anti‐Phospholipid Antibodies
Authors: Takakuwa Koichi , Ooki Izumi , Nonaka Taro , Tamura Nozomi , Ishii Keisuke , Kikuchi Akira , Tamura Masaki , Tanaka Kenichi 
Published: July 2006

Problem  To elucidate the efficacy of the treatment using a Japanese‐modified Chinese herbal medicine, Sairei‐to, and low‐dose aspirin with or without a corticosteroid hormone for the patients with adverse pregnancy histories positive for anti‐phospholipid antibodies.Methods of study  Fifteen cases positive for anti‐phospholipid antibodies, who had experienced preterm delivery in which an extremely low birthweight infant (<1000 g) was born as a result of intrauterine growth restriction with or without severe preeclampsia, were treated with the medication according to the current protocol. Four cases with the same condition, who were treated with only low‐dose aspirin, or without medication, were chosen as a control population. The pregnancy outcome was compared between the two groups.Results  The rate of patients in whom the next pregnancy continued until the 36th week of gestation or later was significantly higher in treated patients (80.0%) compared with the control population (0%).Conclusions  In this series, we obtained case report data that Sairei‐to may provide some benefit for patients with reproductive disorders positive for anti‐phospholipid antibodies; however, randomized controlled trial evidence is needed before current treatment can be recommended.
Oral manifestations in HIV/AIDS infected patients from India
Authors: Sharma G , Pai KM , Suhas S , Ramapuram JT , Doshi D , Anup N 
Published: July 2006

Objectives:  To assess types and prevalence of HIV‐related oral lesions among HIV‐infected individuals in south India and to correlate common oral findings with co‐morbidities, gender, age and medication.Subjects and methods:  One hundred and one patients with HIV infection or AIDS at infectious diseases units of Attavar Hospital, Mangalore, and medical wards of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, were selected. Sociodemographic information was obtained using a structured questionnaire. Oral lesions were diagnosed according to the presumptive criteria of EEC‐Clearinghouse Classification. Clinical history was retrieved from patient's medical records.Results:  Erythematous candidiasis (44.5%), melanotic hyperpigmentaion (34.6%) and xerostomia (29.7%) were among the most common oral manifestations. A significant association was found between oral candidiasis and advanced immunosuppression (P < 0.05). Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) was predominant in individuals <35 years (P < 0.05). Melanotic hyperpigmentation was significantly associated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (P < 0.05). OHL was more frequent in patients with HIV‐associated tuberculosis. Linear gingival erythema was more predominant in females.Conclusions:  Oral hairy leukoplakia showed a positive relationship with patients younger than 35 years. Oral candidiasis can act as a marker for immunosuppression. Angular cheilitis was predominant in the symptomatic stage.
Finding function: evaluation methods for functional genomic data
Authors: Myers Chad L , Barrett Daniel R , Hibbs Matthew A , Huttenhower Curtis , Troyanskaya Olga G 
Published: July 2006

Abstract

Background
Accurate evaluation of the quality of genomic or proteomic data and computational methods is vital to our ability to use them for formulating novel biological hypotheses and directing further experiments. There is currently no standard approach to evaluation in functional genomics. Our analysis of existing approaches shows that they are inconsistent and contain substantial functional biases that render the resulting evaluations misleading both quantitatively and qualitatively. These problems make it essentially impossible to compare computational methods or large-scale experimental datasets and also result in conclusions that generalize poorly in most biological applications.

Results
We reveal issues with current evaluation methods here and suggest new approaches to evaluation that facilitate accurate and representative characterization of genomic methods and data. Specifically, we describe a functional genomics gold standard based on curation by expert biologists and demonstrate its use as an effective means of evaluation of genomic approaches. Our evaluation framework and gold standard are freely available to the community through our website.

Conclusion
Proper methods for evaluating genomic data and computational approaches will determine how much we, as a community, are able to learn from the wealth of available data. We propose one possible solution to this problem here but emphasize that this topic warrants broader community discussion.
Factors associated with disease evolution in Greek patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Chatzicostas Constantinos , Roussomoustakaki Maria , Potamianos Spiros , Paspatis Gregorios , Mouzas Ioannis , Romanos John , Mavrogeni Helen , Kouroumalis Elias 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe majority of Crohn's disease patients with B1 phenotype at diagnosis (i.e. non-stricturing non-penetrating disease) will develop over time a stricturing or a penetrating pattern. Conflicting data exist on the rate of proximal disease extension in ulcerative colitis patients with proctitis or left-sided colitis at diagnosis. We aimed to study disease evolution in Crohn's disease B1 patients and ulcerative colitis patients with proctitis and left-sided colitis at diagnosis.Methods116 Crohn's disease and 256 ulcerative colitis patients were followed-up for at least 5 years after diagnosis. Crohn's disease patients were classified according to the Vienna criteria. Data were analysed actuarially.ResultsB1 phenotype accounted for 68.9% of Crohn's disease patients at diagnosis. The cumulative probability of change in disease behaviour in B1 patients was 43.6% at 10 years after diagnosis. Active smoking (Hazard Ratio: 3.01) and non-colonic disease (non-L2) (Hazard Ratio: 3.01) were associated with behavioural change in B1 patients. Proctitis and left-sided colitis accounted for 24.2%, and 48.4% of ulcerative colitis patients at diagnosis. The 10 year cumulative probability of proximal disease extension in patients with proctitis and left-sided colitis was 36.8%, and 17.1%, respectively (p: 0.003). Among proctitis patients, proximal extension was more common in non-smokers (Hazard Ratio: 4.39).ConclusionClassification of Crohn's disease patients in B1 phenotype should be considered as temporary. Smoking and non-colonic disease are risk factors for behavioural change in B1 Crohn's disease patients. Proximal extension is more common in ulcerative colitis patients with proctitis than in those with left-sided colitis. Among proctitis patients, proximal extension is more common in non-smokers.
IMOP: randomised placebo controlled trial of outpatient cervical ripening with isosorbide mononitrate (IMN) prior to induction of labour – clinical trial with analyses of efficacy, cost effectiveness and acceptability
Authors: Bollapragada Shrikant , Mackenzie Fiona , Norrie John , Petrou Stavros , Reid Margaret , Greer Ian , Osman Inass , Norman Jane E 
Published: July 2006

Abstract

Background
There is increasing interest in carrying out pre-induction cervical ripening on an outpatient basis. However, there are concerns about the use of prostaglandins, the agents commonly used in hospital settings for this indication, because prostaglandins induce uterine contractions that may lead to fetal hypoxia. Indeed, in a recent study we demonstrated abnormalities in 9% of fetal heart rate tracings performed following prostaglandin induced cervical ripening at term. In contrast, we confirmed in the same study that isosorbide mononitrate (IMN) (administered on an inpatient basis) was both effective in inducing cervical ripening at term, and was associated with no associated fetal heart rate abnormalities.

Methods/design
The aim of this study is to determine whether IMN self administered by women on an outpatient basis improves the process of induction of labour. Specifically, we hypothesise that the use of outpatient IMN will result in a shorter inpatient stay before delivery, decreased costs to the health service and greater maternal satisfaction with ripening and induction of labour, compared with placebo treatment.
In the study described here (the "IMOP" study), women scheduled for induction of labour at term, and who require pre-induction cervical ripening will be randomised to self-administer at home either IMN 40 mg, or a placebo, each vaginally, at 48 hours, 32 hours and 16 hours before scheduled hospital admission.
After admission to hospital, treatment will revert to the usual induction of labour protocol. We will compare the primary outcomes of the elapsed time interval from hospital admission to vaginal delivery, the costs to the health service of induction of labour, and women's experience of induction of labour in the two groups.

Discussion
This trial will provide evidence on the efficacy of outpatient IMN for pre-induction cervical ripening at term. We will study a formulation of IMN which is cheap and widely available. If the treatment is effective, acceptable to women, and cost effective, it could be implemented into obstetric practice worldwide.

Trial registration
The trial has been registered on the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number Register (ISRCTN) and given the registration number ISRTN39772441.