bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monetary Policy at the Zero Lower Bound and After: A Reassessment of Quantitative Easing and Critique of the Federal Reserve's Proposed Exit Strategy
Authors: Palley Thomas I. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis paper analyses quantitative easing, focusing on its implicit fiscal dimension. It distinguishes between ‘weak’ and ‘strong’ zero lower bound traps. A strong trap corresponds to the liquidity trap. In a weak trap QE is expansionary but subject to diminishing returns. QE implicitly transfers income streams to the fiscal authority, generating fiscal drag that can eventually render QE contractionary. Proposals to exit QE by paying interest on reserves to check inflationary pressures is contradicted because paying interest constitutes an implicit tax cut. Instead, the paper suggests implementing asset based reserve requirements that deactivate liquidity by requiring banks hold increased reserves.
Orofacial functional impairments among patients following stroke: a systematic review
Authors: Dai R , Lam O LT , Lo E CM , Li L SW , Wen Y , McGrath C 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to review orofacial functional impairments among patients following stroke, including objective and subjective assessment.MethodsA structured search strategy was applied to three electronic databases (Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science) to identify effective papers. Relevant data regarding subjects, method, outcomes, and key findings were extracted from the effective papers and the results were summarized.ResultsThe initial search yielded 5227 papers, and 18 effective papers (Kappa: 0.971) were in accordance with the inclusion criteria. The patients with stroke consistently showed a decreased lip force, salivary flow rate, and chewing performance compared with the healthy controls. Due to equivocal results gained from the effective papers, the qualitative assessments regarding whether there was any change in masticatory force on the affected side and oral health‐related quality of life were inconclusive.ConclusionsExisting evidence highlights a number of compromised orofacial functions experienced by patients following stroke. These impairments appear to be sustained, with spontaneous recovery unlikely to occur. While rehabilitative approaches may have the potential to improve orofacial function and quality of life following stroke, there is currently a lack of evidence‐based interventions available to inform the development of comprehensive rehabilitation protocols.
Arrhythmia Risk Assessment Using Heart Rate Variability Parameters in Patients with Frequent Ventricular Ectopic Beats without Structural Heart Disease
Authors: BARUTÇU AHMET , TEMIZ AHMET , BEKLER ADEM , ALTUN BURAK , KIRILMAZ BAHADIR , AKSU FEYZA ULUSOY , KÜÇÜK UĞUR , GAZI EMINE 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundVentricular ectopic beats (VEBs) are usually considered a benign condition that can be managed with conservative measures. Heart rate variability (HRV), which is one of the most important methods for assessing autonomic activity, is a noninvasive, quantitative method of analyzing autonomic effects on the heart. We aimed to investigate the risk of arrhythmia in patients with VEBs and without cardiovascular disease by using HRV parameters.MethodsPatients with frequent VEBs (more than 30 times in 1 hour, according to the Lown classification) were identified. Identified patients were evaluated by 24‐hour ECG recording. Our study included 43 patients with frequent VEBs and 43 controls.ResultsGeneral characteristics of the study population were similar. The LF (low frequency)/HF (high frequency) ratio was significantly higher in the frequent VEBs group than in the control group (P < 0.001). The rate of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) was higher in the frequent VEB group than in the control group (P = 0.003). The number of VEBs was correlated with LF/HF ratio and PAF (r = 0.339, P = 0.001 and r = 0.294, P = 0.006, respectively).ConclusionsOur study showed that the sympathetic nervous system is dominant in young patients with VEBs and without significant comorbidities. There is a higher risk of atrial fibrillation in patients with VEBs and they should be monitored closely for atrial fibrillation.
Changing from a traditional psychodynamic treatment programme to mentalization‐based treatment for patients with borderline personality disorder – Does it make a difference?
Authors: Kvarstein Elfrida H. , Pedersen Geir , Urnes Øyvind , Hummelen Benjamin , Wilberg Theresa , Karterud Sigmund 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesFew studies outside United Kingdom have documented effects of mentalization‐based treatment (MBT) for patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). This study aimed to investigate outcomes for BPD patients treated in an MBT programme in a Norwegian specialist treatment unit and compare benefits of the implemented MBT with the unit's former psychodynamic treatment programme.DesignA naturalistic, longitudinal, comparison of treatment effects for BPD patients before and after transition to MBT.MethodsThe sample consisted of 345 BPD patients treated in the period 1993–2013. Before 2008, patients were admitted to a psychodynamic treatment programme (n = 281), after 2008 patients received MBT (n = 64). Symptom distress, interpersonal problems, and global functioning were assessed repeatedly throughout the treatment. Suicidal/self‐harming acts, hospital admissions, medication, and occupational status were assessed at the start and end of treatment. Therapists' competence and adherence to MBT was rated and found satisfactory. The statistical method for longitudinal analyses was mixed models.ResultsBPD patients in MBT and in the former psychodynamic treatment programme had comparable baseline severity and impairments of functioning. BPD patients in MBT had a remarkably low drop‐out rate (2%), significantly lower than the former treatment. Improvements of symptom distress, interpersonal, global and occupational functioning were significantly greater for MBT patients. Large reductions in suicidal/self‐harming acts, hospital admissions, and use of medication were evident in the course of both treatments.ConclusionsThe study confirms the effectiveness of MBT for BPD patients and indicates greater clinical benefits than in traditional psychodynamic treatment programmes.Practitioner points

MBT is an effective treatment for patients with BPD.

MBT can successfully be implemented in therapeutic settings outside United Kingdom and may be more beneficial than psychodynamic treatment programmes for BPD patients.
A Teenage Girl with Green Hair
Authors: Schwartz Richard H. , Yasin Shima K. , Yoo Jinny K. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAn adolescent girl with blond hair, her family, and classmates noted that her hair was progressively turning green. Initially the green color was thought to be secondary to chlorine from the local swimming pool. This was not the real cause. The chlorotrichosis was actually caused by an excessive amount of dissolved copper from copper pipes in the home plumbing system. Copper had leached from the plumbing and accumulated in the pipes because the rented house had been vacant for many months. Risk factors for chlorotrichosis include light‐colored hair, copper plumbing, long periods when the water was not thoroughly flushed out of the copper pipes, and frequent shampooing.
Expression Pattern of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Canine Folliculogenesis and its Effect on the Growth and Development of Follicles after Ovarian Organ Culture
Authors: Abdel‐Ghani MA , Shimizu T , Suzuki H 
Published: July 2014

ContentsIn this study, the expressions of VEGF in dog follicles were detected by immunohistochemistry and the effects of VEGF treatment on the primordial to primary follicle transition and on subsequent follicle progression were examined using a dog ovary organ culture system. The frozen‐thawed canine ovarian follicles within slices of ovarian cortical tissue were cultured for 7 and 14 days in presence or absence of VEGF. After culture, the ovaries were fixed, sectioned, stained and counted for morphologic analysis. The results showed that VEGF was expressed in the theca cells of antral follicles and in the granulosa cells nearest the oocyte in preantral follicle but not in granulosa cells of primordial and primary follicles; however, the VEGF protein was expressed in CL. After in vitro culture, VEGF caused a decrease in the number of primordial follicles and concomitant increase in the number of primary follicles that showed growth initiation and reached the secondary and preantral stages of development after 7 and 14 days. Follicular viability was also improved in the presence of VEGF after 7 and 14 days in culture. In conclusion, treatment with VEGF was found to promote the activation of primordial follicle development that could provide an alternative approach to stimulate early follicle development in dogs.
Assessing Policy Design and Interpretation: An Institutions‐Based Analysis in the Context of Aquaculture in Florida and Virginia, United States
Authors: Siddiki Saba 
Published: July 2014

AbstractRecently in the field of policy studies, there has been a renewed interest in research that connects policy design with broader governance outcomes. As opposed to past studies of policy design that have characterized policies along broad categories of variables, however, recent studies have sought to systematically assess the language of public policies and resultant outcomes. This paper contributes to the existing and emerging literature on policy design by coupling a content analysis of polices governing the aquaculture industry in two U.S. states and interviews with aquaculture community members to understand policy design and perceptions of policy legitimacy, coerciveness, and enforcement.
Prediction of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Via Multivariate Ordered Probit Models
Authors: Conigliani Caterina , Manca Andrea , Tancredi Andrea 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThe assessment of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) is of central importance in many areas of research and public policy. Unfortunately, it is quite common for clinical studies to employ different PROMs, thus limiting the comparability of the evidence base that they contribute to. This issue is exacerbated by the fact that some national agencies are now explicit about which PROMs must be used to generate evidence in support of claims for reimbursement. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence for England and Wales, for instance, has identified in EuroQoL-5D, EQ-5D, the PROM of choice, while accepting the use of a ‘mapping’ approach to predict EQ-5D from other PROMs when EQ-5D data have not been collected. Here we consider the problem of directly predicting EQ-5D responses from ‘Short form 12', while recognizing both the likely dependence between the five dimensions of the EQ-5D responses at the patient level, and the fact that the levels of each health dimension are naturally ordered. We carry out the analysis within a Bayesian framework. We also address the key problem of choosing an appropriate summary measure of agreement between predicted and actual results when analysing PROMs, with particular attention devoted to scoring rules.
Joint Modelling of Goals and Bookings in Association Football
Authors: Titman A. C. , Costain D. A. , Ridall P. G. , Gregory K. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryA multivariate counting process formulation is developed for the quantification of association football event interdependences which permits dynamic prediction as events unfold. We model data from English Premier League and Championship games from the 2009–2010 and 2010–2011 football seasons and assess predictive capacity by using a model-based betting strategy, applied prospectively to available live spread betting prices. Both the scoreline and the bookings status were predictive of match outcome. In particular, the award of a red card led to increased goal rates for the non-penalized team and the home team scoring rate decreased once they were ahead. Overall the betting strategy profited with gains made in the bookings markets.
HIV‐related stigma in the dental setting: a qualitative study
Authors: Patel Natisha , Furin Jennifer J. , Willenberg Danae J. , Apollon Chirouze Nicole J. , Vernon Lance T. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTPurposeTo explore the experiences and expectations of HIV‐related stigma in dental settings.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study of 60 HIV+ adult volunteers. We conducted audio‐recorded interviews; responses to four open‐ended questions were analyzed qualitatively for theme and content.ResultsTwenty‐seven participants (45%) reported ever having anticipated being judged, stigmatized or treated with disrespect in a dental setting due to HIV status. Thematic response categories included concerns about: (i) receiving humane and respectful treatment, (ii) being judged or stereotyped and (iii) giving HIV to the dentist. Regarding hesitancy to visit the dentist, subjects equally endorsed fear of the dentist (35%) and concerns about confidentiality and receiving humane treatment (35%).ConclusionHIV+ individuals encounter many fears and concerns related to dental care; fear of the dentist and concerns about confidentiality and receiving humane treatment appear to be central issues. Dental providers should be aware of and better manage these issues.
A specific Toll‐like receptor profile on T lymphocytes and values of monocytes correlate with bacterial, fungal, and cytomegalovirus infections in the early period of allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Skert C. , Fogli M. , Garrafa E. , Perucca S. , Fiorentini S. , Cancelli V. , Turra A. , Ribolla R. , Filì C. , Malagola M. , Bergonzi C. , Cattina F. , Bernardi S. , Caruso A. , Di Palma A. , Russo D. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundBacterial, fungal, and viral infections often affect non‐relapse mortality after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT). Recovery from infections depends on a balanced integration between innate and adaptive immune responses. In this complex interplay, a key role is played by Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), which are sensors of pathogen‐associated molecular patterns. To our knowledge, no previous study deals with both expression and function of all human TLRs together, in relation to infections in the setting of alloSCT.MethodsWe prospectively evaluated 9 TLRs by flow cytometry on T lymphocytes and monocytes of 35 patients in relation to infectious events from day +30 to day +120. Tumor necrois factor‐alpha, interleukin‐4, interferon‐gamma, and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 induction upon TLR activation was assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay on cell supernatants.ResultsIn multivariate Cox regression analysis, levels of TLR‐9 expression on T lymphocytes (P = 0.01) and values of natural killer cells (P = 0.01) correlated negatively with bacterial infections, whereas cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection resulted as a positive predictor. We observed a trend for negative correlation between TLR‐7 levels on T lymphocytes and fungal infections (P = 0.07). Values of monocytes were negatively associated with CMV infection (P = 0.03), whereas levels of TLR‐5 on T lymphocytes were positive predictors (P = 0.01). Age (P = 0.03) and bacterial infections (P = 0.006) negatively influenced overall survival. Monocyte values were positive predictors of survival (P = 0.003).ConclusionsBacterial, fungal, and CMV infections were associated with a different expression of some TLRs on T lymphocytes. The protective role of TLR‐7 and TLR‐9 seemed dominant over other TLRs involved in recognizing fungi and bacteria. We also observed an atypical involvement of TLR‐5 in CMV infection. The dominant and atypical role of some TLRs could depend on their pleiotropic functions and the changing inflammatory environment of transplanted patients. A specific TLR profile and an adequate count of monocytes could improve survival, promoting an effective control of infections, and balanced immune responses. If our findings will be confirmed by further studies, these immunological variables could be useful as parameters to predict susceptibility to infections.
Monoclonal anti‐A activity against the FORS1 (Forssman) antigen
Authors: Barr Katie , Korchagina Elena , Popova Inna , Bovin Nicolai , Henry Stephen 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundThe FORS blood group system (originally recognized as the Apae phenotype) was discovered by sporadic activity against polyclonal anti‐A reagents and activity against the lectin Helix pomatia. The extent of monoclonal anti‐A reagent activity against the FORS1 antigen is serologically and immunochemically incomplete.Study Design and MethodsIn the absence of natural FORS1‐positive red blood cells (RBCs), kodecytes were created with synthetic disaccharide and pentasaccharide Forssman function‐spacer‐lipid (FSL) constructs, Fsdi‐kodecytes, and FORS1‐kodecytes, respectively. FSL constructs were also applied to solid surfaces and used in solid‐phase enzyme immunoassays. A range of characterized monoclonal anti‐A and anti‐B reagents were then serologically and immunochemically characterized against these Forssman antigens. Polyclonal human anti‐A, anti‐B, the lectin H. pomatia serologic reagents; and canine RBCs were used as serologic controls.ResultsNone of 19 different monoclonal anti‐A reagents were able to detect the pentasaccharide Forssman on FORS1‐kodecytes, while three reagents were able to detect disaccharide Forssman on Fsdi‐kodecytes. Most anti‐A reagents were immunochemically reactive with both the di‐ and the pentasaccharide Forssman antigens in the solid‐phase assays. Historic polyclonal human anti‐A and the lectin H. pomatia reacted strongly with the FORS1‐kodecytes, correlating with the discovery of the Apae phenotype and supporting the use of FORS1‐kodecytes as FORS1 surrogates.ConclusionsMonoclonal anti‐A reagents, despite showing reactivity against the FORS1 antigen in solid‐phase assays are unlikely to cause the agglutination of FORS1 antigen–positive RBCs.
Effects of interruptions of controlled‐rate freezing on the viability of umbilical cord blood stem cells
Authors: Yang Hongyou , Pidgorna Alla , Loutfy Mona R. , Shuen Paul 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundAn optimal cooling rate is critical for cryopreserving cord blood stem cells, so it is generally achieved by using controlled‐rate freezers (CRFs). The cooling rate can be interrupted by many factors during cooling; therefore, a proper response to the interruption in cryopreservation is crucial to prevent the loss of valuable cells.Study Design and MethodsCord blood samples (n = 6) containing 10% dimethyl sulfoxide were cooled from 4 to −80°C using a CRF. At different temperatures during cooling, cells were transferred either to liquid nitrogen vapor phase (LNVP) directly or a −80°C mechanical freezer where they were stored for 18.1 ± 0.6 hours before transferring to LNVP. The cells were stored in LNVP for 127 ± 48.1 hours before postthaw recovery, viability, and survival of total nucleated cells and/or CD45+ cells, CD34+ cells, and colony‐forming unit–granulocyte‐macrophage (CFU‐GM) were assessed.ResultsFor all types of postthaw evaluations, there were no significant differences when cells were transferred to a −80°C freezer before LNVP, regardless of the temperature at which cooling was interrupted. In contrast, there were significant differences when cells were transferred to LNVP directly, but the differences were determined by the type of assays and how viability was calculated.ConclusionsCord blood samples can be transferred to a −80°C freezer anytime during controlled‐rate cooling, but should only be transferred to LNVP when the samples have been cooled to −40°C or lower. Percent postthaw survival of CFU‐GM should be routinely assessed when controlled‐rate cooling is interrupted.
Product Heterogeneity and Cost Allocations in Contingent Trade Protection
Authors: Kelly Brian D. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe WTO allows members to impose contingent protection, including anti‐dumping duties, within agreed constraints. Anti‐dumping proceedings typically name a single captioned product but include large numbers of individual products within that caption. The inclusion of multiple products creates a variety of issues for both anti‐dumping and other contingent protection measures, issues that have been prominent in national actions and WTO dispute settlements, but have been largely ignored in research. This work focuses on the most important such area, the allocation of costs among products in anti‐dumping proceedings. We develop a comprehensive economic analysis for cost allocation issues, and couple it with the accounting tools that must be used for its implementation, to derive the first‐best allocation methods for anti‐dumping purposes. These results have direct relevance in other contingent trade contexts, such as injury determinations and subsidy pass‐through analysis.
Of mice and men: olfactory neuroblastoma among animals and humans
Authors: Lubojemska A. , Borejko M. , Czapiewski P. , Dziadziuszko R. , Biernat W. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractOlfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is a rare tumour of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses that arises from the olfactory neuroepithelium and has unpredictable clinical course. As the sense of smell is phylogenetically one of the first senses and olfactory neuroepithelium is evolutionary conserved with striking similarities among different species, we performed an extensive analysis of the literature in order to evaluate the similarities and differences between animals and humans on the clinical, morphological, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural and molecular level. Our analysis revealed that ONB was reported mainly in mammals and showed striking similarities to human ONB. These observations provide rationale for introduction of therapy modalities used in humans into the veterinary medicine. Animal models of neuroblastoma should be considered for the preclinical studies evaluating novel therapies for ONB.
Determination and validation of volume to be instilled for standardized intra‐abdominal pressure measurement in dogs
Authors: Way Leilani Ireland , Monnet Eric 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to determine (1) most appropriate volume of saline to be infused into the bladder prior to intra‐abdominal pressure (IAP) measurement, (2) to determine if a difference exists between IAP measurements before and after abdominal surgery, and (3) to assess the variability in IAP measurements associated with different saline volumes.DesignProspective study.SettingUniversity teaching hospital.AnimalsFifteen female research dogs, 7 undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OHE), and 8 undergoing laparoscopy.InterventionsAll dogs had urinary catheters placed and 4 consecutive IAP measurements measured using a different volume of instilled saline (0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 mL/kg) at baseline. Measurements were repeated intraoperatively in laparoscopy dogs and postoperatively in OHE dogs.Measurements and main resultsFor both groups of dogs, the volume infused into the bladder significantly affected IAP measurement. An instilled volume of 1 mL/kg of saline produced the best correlation (R2 = 0.44, P = 0.04) between IAP measurement and laparoscopic insufflator pressure. The mean (±SD) preoperative IAP (cmH2O) using 1 mL/kg instilled saline was 7.9 ± 1.4 and 9.6 ±1.9 for laparoscopy and OHE dogs, respectively. There was no difference in IAP before and after surgery in the dogs undergoing an OHE (P = 0.58). The volume of saline instilled into the bladder significantly affected the IAP (P = 0.0028).ConclusionsOne milliliter per kilogram instilled saline is recommended for standardized IAP pressure measurement in dogs. IAP in clinically normal dogs was not affected by abdominal surgery.