bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of levodopa on pain threshold in Parkinson's disease: A clinical and positron emission tomography study
Authors: Brefel‐Courbon Christine , Payoux Pierre , Thalamas Claire , Ory Fabienne , Quelven Isabelle , Chollet François , Montastruc Jean Louis , Rascol Olivier 
Published: August 2005

AbstractPatients suffering from Parkinson's disease (PD) frequently experienced painful sensations that could be in part due to central modification of nociception. We compared pain threshold before and after administration of levodopa in PD patients and in controls, and investigated cerebral activity with positron emission tomography (PET) during experimental nociceptive stimulation. Pain threshold was determined using thermal stimulation during two randomized conditions: off and on. We performed H215O PET analysis of regional cerebral blood flow on subjects while they received alternate randomized noxious and innocuous stimuli during off and on conditions. In off condition, pain threshold in nine PD patients was significantly lower than in nine controls. Administration of levodopa significantly raised pain threshold in PD patients but not in controls. During off condition, there was a significant increase in pain‐induced activation in right insula and prefrontal and left anterior cingulate cortices in PD compared to control group. Levodopa significantly reduced pain‐induced activation in these areas in PD. This study shows that pain threshold is lower in PD patients but returns to normal ranges after levodopa administration. Moreover, PD patients have higher pain‐induced activation in nociceptive pathways, which can be reduced by levodopa. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
The role of bone marrow evaluation in the staging of patients with otherwise localized, low‐risk neuroblastoma
Authors: Russell Heidi V. , Golding Laurie A. , Suell Mary Nell , Nuchtern Jed G. , Strother Douglas R. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackgroundBone marrow aspirations and biopsies are standard staging procedures for neuroblastoma because the tumor frequently metastasizes to the bone marrow. The presence of bone marrow metastases indicates stage 4 or 4S neuroblastoma by International Neuroblastoma Staging System (INSS) criteria; these stages are also associated with other metastatic sites of disease. We questioned whether bone marrow studies changed the staging or treatment of children with localized, completely resected tumors if there was no other evidence of metastatic spread. If stage of disease rarely changed with bone marrow results, it might be possible to avoid this procedure in a subset of patients with neuroblastoma.ProcedureThe staging studies of patients with INSS stage 1 (n = 29), 4 (n = 60), and 4S (n = 13) neuroblastoma from two institutions were reviewed.ResultsThere were no patients upstaged from stage 1 to 4 or 4S by bone marrow metastases alone. Fifty‐nine of 60 stage 4 patients had other sites of metastases on imaging studies, the remaining patient had an unresectable primary tumor and marrow disease. All subjects with stage 4S disease had liver metastases.ConclusionsBone marrow studies did not contribute data that changed the stage of patients who had surgically resectable tumors and no evidence of metastatic spread on imaging studies. When present, metastatic spread to the marrow was associated with advanced local tumors or other sites of metastatic disease. Given the relatively small size of our study population, further studies are warranted that investigate the utility of bone marrow studies for patients who otherwise have INSS stage 1 neuroblastoma. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma of bone—is it a bad tumor?
Authors: Ng A. , Hobson R. , Williams D. , Morland B. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractA teenage boy presented with a CD30‐positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) affecting his scapula and was successfully treated with chemotherapy. His clinical features and outcome were compared with other cases described in the literature. A further review of 11 ALCL cases with bony involvement treated in the UK since 1990, including two with primary bone disease, did not suggest an unfavorable treatment outcome. This finding will need to be confirmed by further study on a larger patient cohort with primary bone ALCL. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optische in situ Schichtdickenmessung in Bedampfungsanlagen. Optical in situ film thickness monitoring in coating systems
Authors: Gössi Dominik 
Published: August 2005

AbstractIm Vergleich zu der in Bedampfungsanlagen gebräuchlichen Schwingquarzmessung ist die optische Schichtdickenmessung wesentlich präziser. Sie basiert auf dem Interferenzprinzip von monochromatischen Lichtstrahlen, welche an den Übergängen von Schichten mit unterschiedlichen Brechwerten sowohl Transmission wie auch (bisweilen mehrfach) Reflexion erfahren. Während eines Bedampfungsprozesses gibt der zeitliche Verlauf der Intensität des resultierenden Lichtstrahls präzise Auskunft über die Schichtdicke. Die Messung erfolgt an einem austauschbaren Testglas, welches in unmittelbarer Nähe der Substrate angebracht ist. Der genaue Zeitpunkt der Abschaltung wird durch die Anpassung eines theoretischen Kurvenverlaufs an die digitalisierten Messwerte berechnet. Ordnungsfilter sorgen dafür, dass keine Effekte höherer Beugungsordnungen des Monochromatorgitters die Messung beeinflussen.
Structure–function relationships in mitochondrial complex I of the strictly aerobic yeast Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Brandt U. , Abdrakhmanova A. , Zickermann V. , Galkin A. , Dröse S. , Zwicker K. , Kerscher S. 
Published: August 2005

The obligate aerobic yeast Yarrowia lipolytica has been established as a powerful model system for the analysis of mitochondrial complex I. Using a combination of genomic and proteomic approaches, a total of 37 subunits was identified. Several of the accessory subunits are predicted to be STMD (single transmembrane domain) proteins. Site-directed mutagenesis of Y. lipolytica complex I has provided strong evidence that a significant part of the ubiquinone reducing catalytic core resides in the 49 kDa and PSST subunits and can be modelled using X-ray structures of distantly related enzymes, i.e. water-soluble [NiFe] hydrogenases from Desulfovibrio spp. Iron–sulphur cluster N2, which is related to the hydrogenase proximal cluster, is directly involved in quinone reduction. Mutagenesis of His226 and Arg141 of the 49 kDa subunit provided detailed insight into the structure–function relationships around cluster N2. Overall, our findings suggest that proton pumping by complex I employs long-range conformational interactions and ubiquinone intermediates play a critical role in this mechanism.
A lifecycle model of the scientific communication process
Authors: Björk Bo‐Christer 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTA formal model of the scientific communication process is presented using the IDEF0 notation. The model provides a roadmap for policy discussions and further research. In comparison to earlier models it is more detailed and hierarchical, and includes more modelling constructs. It includes the whole communication value chain, from initial research to the assimilation of research results to everyday practice. Although the model treats both informal and formal communication, as well as the publishing of data, its focus is on modelling the publishing and indexing of traditional peer‐reviewed journal articles, and finding and retrieving them. New developments enabled by the Internet, such as open access journals and e‐print repositories, are also included.
Advantages of university journals in China
Authors: Li Li 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTTraditional academic publishing is facing the ‘scholarly communication crisis’. University journals in China have special advantages in such circumstances and have the potential for developing strongly. Such journals not only have the academic achievements of their university as their base, but also get financial and administrative support from them. These journals play important roles in the cultivation of graduate students and teachers and can be regarded as the ‘shop windows’ of their university. University journals can now promote their accessibility and become more influential.
Evidence of age-dependent genetic influences on plasma total cholesterol
Authors: Middelberg Rita , Heath Andrew C. , Martin Nicholas G. , Whitfield John B. 
Published: August 2005

Background Causes of variation in cardiovascular risk factors include biological variation within individuals, and more permanent differences between individuals, which are at least partly genetic in origin. We have compared the magnitude of genetic and non-genetic factors within and across occasions through repeated measures of plasma cholesterol in twin subjects, and have also determined how far the same genes affect cholesterol levels at different ages. Methods Data on plasma total cholesterol were extracted for 208 twin pairs who had provided blood on up to six occasions across a period of 17 years. They were aged 18–30 years at the time of first study and 30–47 at the time of the last. Multivariate models of variation due to genetic, shared environmental and unique environmental factors were fitted to the multi-occasion data and the proportions of variation due to these factors were estimated. Results One genetic factor influenced plasma cholesterol on all occasions and a second genetic factor only influenced cholesterol results on the fifth and sixth occasions 10–17 years after the first. Environmental factors did not have significant long-term effects. Conclusions We conclude that individuals’ long-term mean plasma cholesterol values are strongly genetically determined, but that some of these genes are age-specific in their effects.
Gender differences in the presentation and management of acute coronary syndromes: a national sample of 1365 admissions
Authors: Doyle Frank , Harpe Davida De La , McGee Hannah , Shelley Emer , Conroy Ronán 
Published: August 2005

Background Gender differences in presentation and management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are well established internationally. This study investigated differences in a national Irish sample. Design Cross-sectional survey. Methods All centres ( n = 39) admitting cardiac patients to intensive/coronary care provided information on 25 consecutive acute myocardial infarction patients and other ACS patients admitted concurrently ( n = 1365 episodes). Patient data was analyzed in terms of those with prior ACS/revascularization, and those without. Results Men with prior established ACS/revascularization were twice as likely to have received revascularization procedures (coronary artery bypass graft or percutaneous coronary intervention) prior to admission when controlling for age, total cholesterol and insurance status [odds ratio (OR) 1.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18–3.29, P=0.011]. No gender differences were seen in acute-phase reperfusion (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.76–1.24, P>0.05) or antiplatelet therapy (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.69–1.41, P>0.05). For patients with prior ACS/revascularization, men were twice as likely to receive statins on discharge after adjustment for age and total cholesterol (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.02–3.71, P=0.045). Conclusions Women were treated differently to men. Fewer women with a positive history of ACS received revascularization prior to current admission and fewer women were prescribed lipid-lowering medications on discharge. Acute phase hospital treatment was not gender determined. These findings have implications for secondary prevention in Ireland.
The distressed (type D) personality is independently associated with impaired health status and increased depressive symptoms in chronic heart failure
Authors: Schiffer Angélique A. , Pedersen Susanne S. , Widdershoven Jos W. , Hendriks Eric H. , Winter Jobst B. , Denollet Johan 
Published: August 2005

Background Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a serious condition that is associated with impaired health status and a high prevalence of depressive symptoms. To date, little is known about the determinants of health status and depressive symptoms in CHF. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess whether Type D personality is associated with impaired health status and increased depressive symptoms in heart failure patients, independent of disease characteristics. Methods Eighty-four patients (63 men and 21 women, mean age=65.9±12.1 years) with systolic CHF completed four questionnaires to assess Type D personality (14-item Type D Personality Scale [DS14]), health status (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire [MLWHFQ]), depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale [CES-D]) and mood status (Global Mood Scale [GMS]) when visiting an outpatient heart failure clinic. Information on clinical variables was obtained from patients’ medical records. Results Type D patients were more likely to experience impairment in health status (18/38=47%) as compared to non-Type Ds (11/46=24%), P=0.027. They also more often reported symptoms of depression; namely 18 of 38=47% versus 6 of 46=13%, P=0.001. When controlling for severity and etiology of CHF, age and gender, Type D remained a significant associate of impaired health status [odds ratio (OR) 3.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12–7.78] and depressive symptoms (OR 6.3, 95% CI 2.08–19.12). Conclusions Type D was associated with impaired health status and increased depressive symptoms in CHF patients. These preliminary findings demonstrate the value of including personality factors in CHF research.
Open access, open source and e‐theses: the development of the Edinburgh Research Archive
Authors: Jones Richard , Andrew Theo 
Published: August 2005

PurposeTo examine how the synergy of open access and open source have been used at Edinburgh University Library to design and implement an e‐thesis service, and to offer a comfortable theoretical framework to aid others.Design/methodology/approachThe concepts of open access and open source are introduced and compared to show the conceptual relationship between them and the natural partnering of these approaches to information freedom. The development of the open access repository (Edinburgh Research Archive, ERA) and the related open source software (Tapir for DSpace) are then examined as an opportunity for other implementers and developers to gain insight, both technical and non‐technical.FindingsThat open access and open source are a natural and forward looking way to develop e‐theses and other research material repositories. The discussion of developing open source and the brief study of the creation of ERA show us that this approach is both warranted and useful.Research limitations/implicationsIt shows how institutions can leverage open source technology successfully, and further consideration must be given to this development methodology.Practical implicationsSoftware and documentation outcomes available for the community have been produced should aid the further research in this area and provide a good starting point for institutions.Originality/valueWe discuss for the first time both the theoretical aspects and the practical considerations surrounding an e‐theses archive which is of value to any group of information professionals considering similar activities.
National library web sites in Europe: an analysis
Authors: Pisanski Jan , Žumer Maja 
Published: August 2005

PurposeAn overview of the contents and design of web pages of the European national libraries.Design/methodology/approachThe theoretical part features the concepts, problems and guidelines for design related to web sites of national libraries. Based on this knowledge, an expert evaluation was carried out, including a brief overview of all homepages of European national libraries, accessible from the Gabriel server in 2004, as well as a much broader survey of web sites of nine national libraries (Austria, Bosnia‐Herzegovina, Croatia, Denmark, Italy (Florence), Poland, Slovenia, Spain, UK).FindingsThe survey shows that European national library web sites do, in fact, have a common core of content and, in large part, follow the design guidelines, but there are still some deviations from the recommendations. National libraries of the economically better developed countries have better web sites in terms of the following guidelines, whereas national libraries of the Eastern and Southern European countries fare slightly worse.Originality/valueThis paper identifies the sites that set the example for other libraries to follow. Also, a list of actual shortcomings of the existing web sites is presented.
Outsourcing of human resource management services in Greece
Authors: Galanaki Eleanna , Papalexandris Nancy 
Published: August 2005

PurposeOutsourcing is gaining considerable popularity in the field of business services and management. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the practice of outsourcing human resource management (HRM) functions, such as training, staffing, rewards and restructuring, in Greece.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis draws upon both primary and secondary data. The findings of the 1999 CRANET survey and a study on the companies that offer HRM services in Greece are used to set the frame of analysis. A series of in‐depth interviews with HR managers and senior HRM consultants are used to support the quantitative data.FindingsThe analysis suggests that the Greek market of HRM services is still at an initial stage of development, with limited credibility, while the customers lack the experience of managing outsourcing relations and are reluctant to establish a partnership‐ type HRM outsourcing agreement. Considerable differences are identified between the Greek market for HRM services and those of more developed markets.Originality/valueThe description of the Greek market of HRM services can be useful to vendors and users of HRM services, as well as researchers dealing with outsourcing in small markets.
Roof construction defects of medium‐rise buildings in sub‐tropical climates
Authors: Lo Y.T. , Leung W.M. , Cui H.Z. 
Published: August 2005

PurposeCracks in the roof parapet wall and damage to the waterproofing membrane are the common defects of roof construction that require frequent maintenance. This paper seeks to review the common defects of roof construction of medium‐rise buildings in sub‐tropical climates.Design/methodology/approachThe research reported was carried out by the survey and analysis of 20 case study buildings. The modes of rooftop parapet wall dislocation are studied and the effects of thermal expansion and end conditions of the parapet wall on the damage to the waterproofing membrane are analysed.FindingsParapet wall dislocation failure is dependent on whether the ends are hinged or fixed. Failure usually leads to tearing of the waterproofing membrane.Practical implicationsModification to the roof parapet wall design and to the selection of construction materials is suggested.Originality/valueThe modes of failure and proposed modification will be of interest to designers and those responsible for the maintenance of flat‐roofed buildings in sub‐tropical climates.
The search for a conceptual framework
Authors: Page Michael 
Published: August 2005

PurposeThe paper is an exercise in “metaphoric defamiliarisation”. The metaphor of the search for a conceptual framework as “quest” is unpacked and an alternative, based on Lewis Carroll's The Hunting of the Snark, is proposed in its place.Design/methodology/approachMany points of correspondence between Carroll's unlikely expedition and the work of standard setting bodies are noted and developed. The possibility that a conceptual framework might turn out to be a “Boojum” is examined.FindingsNoting that timing precludes the possibility that The Hunting of the Snark is an allegory of accounting standard setting, a possible social explanation drawing on Cornford's Microcosmographia Academica is proposed.Originality/valueExamines the use of the quest metaphor and what it tells us about standard setters' approaches. An alternative metaphor is proposed as being more appropriate and, by contrasting the two, the content of the first is thrown into sharper relief.
An ontological representation of learning objects and learning designs as codified knowledge
Authors: Sánchez‐Alonso Salvador , Frosch‐Wilke Dirk 
Published: August 2005

PurposeThe aim of this paper is discussing about the similarities between the life cycle of knowledge management and the processes in which learning objects are created, evaluated and used.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes LO and learning designs and depicts their integration into the knowledge life cycle (KLC) of the KMCI, showing the main ontological definitions required to represent the proposed integration, putting them into relation with previous research in the topic.FindingsThe main points in that the “learning object” concept can be connected to existing KLC models in order to provide a more comprehensive framework for reuse‐oriented e‐learning and knowledge management.Originality/valueThe paper describes how to integrate learning‐oriented artefacts as part of the organizational context, in particular, as part of the knowledge life cycle (KLC). It also depicts the integration of a reuse‐oriented e‐learning framework into the KLC of the KMCI in the form of ontological definitions.
Implementing performance management in England's primary schools
Authors: Brown Andrew 
Published: August 2005

PurposeTo provide an overview of the various ways in which performance management is being implemented in England's primary schools.Design/methodology/approachA combination of documentary analysis, participant observation and audio‐taped interviews with primary school headteachers, deputy headteachers, teachers and school governors.FindingsInformation is provided on the following aspects of performance management in primary schools: the meaning and purposes of performance management in primary schools; education and training for performance management; formulation and content of performance management objectives; measuring the performance of heads and teachers; the effects of performance management on teachers' professional development; and perceptions concerning the appropriateness and reality of performance related pay.Research limitations/implicationsOwing to the relatively small number of research participants, the findings might not be entirely representative of the opinions and experiences of primary school headteachers, teachers and governors throughout England as a whole. The value of introducing performance management into primary schools remains an area for further research.Practical implicationsA useful paper both for managers who are reviewing the operational effectiveness of performance management within their own schools, as well as for organisations that are considering the introduction of performance management into their school system.Originality/valueThis paper might be of particular value to national governments and smaller organisations that wish to consider how to evaluate the effectiveness of the various options before introducing a system of performance management into their whole primary school network.
Perversity in public service performance measurement
Authors: Pidd M. 
Published: August 2005

PurposeTo discuss some of the reasons why performance measurement systems in public services can lead to dysfunctional consequences even when people operate with the best of intentions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws together literature from the UK public sector, from writers in performance measurement and from cultural insights in anthropology to understand why some of these perverse effects occur.FindingsThough many reasons are cited for public service performance measurement regimes, it is clear that control aspects dominate the others. This, when allied to an unthinking use of cybernetic metaphors, is what can lead to dysfunctionality.Originality/valueThe paper should appeal to those who wish to improve the performance of performance measurement systems in public services and to those who wish to understand why things can go wrong.