bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fiscal Policy and Equitable Growth
Authors: Park Hyun 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThis paper continues the study of optimal fiscal policy in a growing economy by exploring a case in which the government simultaneously provides three main categories of expenditures with distortionary tax finance: public production services, public consumption services, and state‐contingent redistributive transfers. The paper shows that in a general‐equilibrium model with given exogenous fiscal policy, a nonmonotonic relation exists between the suboptimal long‐run growth rate in a competitive economy and distortionary tax rates. When fiscal policy is endogenously chosen at a social optimum, the relation between the rate of growth and tax rates is always negative. These two properties suggest that an alternative set of government policy instruments affects the response of private sector investment to fiscal policy. Moreover, the different properties of exogenous and endogenous fiscal policy theoretically account for the difference in the relation between economic growth and fiscal policy in empirical studies.
Refundable Annuities (Annuity Options)
Authors: SHESHINSKI EYTAN 
Published: January 2010

AbstractIndividuals can insure themselves perfectly against uncertainty about the length of life by purchasing deferred annuities early in life. In the absence of other uninsurable uncertainties (e.g., income), there will be no residual purchases or sales of annuities later in life, thereby avoiding any adverse‐selection. In contrast, the presence of such uncertainties creates an active residual annuity market based on the arrival of new information. We characterize the equilibrium in the residual annuity market and propose a new financial instrument, refundable annuities with a guaranteed refund price, which enables individuals who hold a portfolio of such annuities to better adjust their optimum consumption plan to different realizations. Refundable annuities are shown to be equivalent to annuity options, that is, options that, if exercised, enable the purchase of annuities later in life at a predetermined price. Holding a variety of refundable annuities is (ex ante) welfare enhancing.
Flexible Life Annuities
Authors: DIRER ALEXIS 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAnnuity contracts typically deliver a stream of income at a predetermined level in order to insure against the risk of longevity. This paper explores whether flexible annuities, which give subscribers the possibility to choose between different levels of annuity, are welfare enhancing. In the case where agents gradually discover their actual probability of survival, a predetermined and “one‐size‐fits‐all” annuity plan is optimal. If an expenditure risk is added along with the longevity risk, a flexible annuity plan is better even though the consumption path cannot be isolated from uninsured expenses anymore.
Annuities, Bequests, and Portfolio Diversification
Authors: D'ALBIS HIPPOLYTE , THIBAULT EMMANUEL 
Published: January 2010

AbstractIn this article, the diversification motives of the demand for annuities is analyzed. Using a model allowing for the uncertainty of both the human life length and the interest rate, the Decision Maker is supposed to choose an optimal portfolio to maximize a bequest. Conditions under which an increase in the risk of bond returns increase the demand for annuities are proposed and discussed. Moreover, it is shown that, contrary to previous claims, more risk adversion is associated with a lower demand for annuities.
Unequal Longevities and Lifestyles Transmission
Authors: PONTHIERE GREGORY 
Published: January 2010

AbstractWhereas studies on the optimal taxation under endogenous longevity assume a fixed heterogeneity of lifestyles, this paper analyses the optimal tax policy in an economy where unequal longevities are the unintended outcome of differences in lifestyles, and where lifestyles are transmitted across generations. For that purpose, we develop a three‐period OLG model where the population, who ignores the negative impact of excessive work on longevity, is partitioned in two groups with different tastes for leisure, and follows an adaptation/imitation process à la Bisin and Verdier (2001). The optimal short‐ and long‐run Pigouvian taxes on wages are shown to differ, because the latter correct agents' myopia, but also internalize intergenerational externalities due to the socialization process. The internalization of composition effects raises the Pigouvian tax on the wage of one type of agents, but reduces it on the other type, in such a way as to induce the optimal long‐run partition of the population.
On Optimal Lifetime Redistribution Policy
Authors: TENHUNEN SANNA , TUOMALA MATTI 
Published: January 2010

AbstractIn this paper, we examine various aspects of the optimal lifetime redistribution policy within a cohort. We characterize the optimal tax policy when society consists of individuals who do not differ only in productivity, but also in time preference. We extend Diamond's analysis on nonlinear taxation of savings into the three‐type and four‐type models. To gain a better understanding of the lifetime redistribution, the problem is also solved numerically. Our results provide a rationale for distortions (upward and downward) in savings behavior in a simple two‐period model where high‐skilled and low‐skilled individuals have different nonobservable time preferences beyond their earning capacity. If we interpret our model so that instead of private savings there is public provision of pension in the second period, then in the three‐type model, we find a nonmonotonic pattern of the replacement rates. The numerical results suggest that retirement consumption is less dispersed than the first‐period consumption in a paternalistic case. Paternalistic government policy also increases second‐period consumption compared to the welfarist case.
Origin, diversification and conservation status of talus snails in the Pinaleño Mountains: a conservation biogeographic study
Authors: Weaver K. F. , Weaver P. F. , Guralnick R. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractFor many taxa, determining conservation status and priority is impeded by lack of adequate taxonomic and range data. For these problematic groups, we propose combining molecular techniques with careful geographic sampling to evaluate the validity, extent and phylogenetic relatedness of the proposed units of diversity. We employed such a strategy to document monophyletic lineages, range extents and phylogenetic relatedness for talus snails (genus Sonorella) in the Pinaleño Mountains of Arizona, an isolated range that has the most vertical relief of any of the sky islands in Arizona. Three of the four species found in the Pinaleño Mountains have been considered candidate species for protection under the Endangered Species Act. Further, one of these taxa, Sonorella macrophallus, is of particular concern and was protected under an USFS conservation agreement until 2004, due to its presumed endemicity to a narrow portion of one canyon. We collected a large dataset of 12S and COI mitochondrial DNA, and subsamples of reproductive morphology from specimens collected throughout the Pinaleños and from adjacent ranges (e.g. the Huachucas, Chiricahuas and Santa Catalinas). We generated a phylogeny based on the mitochondrial data, and matched clades with named species utilizing reproductive morphology. Our results show that both S. macrophallus and Sonorella imitator are relatively widespread across the Pinaleños while Sonorella grahamensis and Sonorella christenseni are restricted to very small areas. These results dramatically change our previous knowledge about range extents, especially for S. macrophallus. Given these results, land managers may need to reassess the status of all four Sonorella species. Finally, all Sonorella species from the Pinaleños are more closely related to each other than to other taxa on other ranges. This result strongly suggests that diversification of the four Sonorella species in the Pinaleños occurred in situ.
Experiences of U.S. Military Nurses in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, 2003–2009
Authors: Scannell‐Desch Elizabeth , Doherty Mary Ellen 
Published: January 2010

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe the lived experience of U.S. military nurses who served in Iraq or Afghanistan during the war years 2003 to 2009, and life after returning from war. Methods: Colaizzi's phenomenological method guided discovery. This method includes elements of both descriptive and interpretive phenomenology. The sample consisted of 37 military nurses who served in the Army, Navy, or Air Force in the Iraq or Afghanistan wars. Four data‐generating questions guided the interview process. Most interviews were face‐to‐face and conducted in naturalistic settings chosen by the participants. Several interviews were conducted telephonically due to geographic constraints. Data analysis followed Colaizzi's method of analysis. Seven themes emerged from the data, including “deploying to war;”“remembrance of war: most chaotic scene;”“nurses in harm's way: more than I bargained for;”“kinship and bonding: my military family;”“my war stress: I'm a different person now;”“professional growth: expanding my skills;” and “listen to me: advice to deploying nurses.” Analysis continued until data saturation was achieved. Results: Results indicated that wartime deployment was a difficult challenge, lessons learned should be shared with nurses deploying in future years, homecoming was more difficult than most nurses anticipated, and reintegration after coming home takes time and effort. Conclusions: Nursing in war is a unique experience regardless of education, preparation and training. There are a myriad of variables that enter into the experience and effect outcomes, both personal and professional. Clinical Relevance: Wartime nursing is a reality in the current clinical practice arena. War takes its toll on everyone involved, including the caregivers. Nurses returning from war can provide valuable insights to those that follow.
What is Patient Safety Culture? A Review of the Literature
Authors: Sammer Christine E. , Lykens Kristine , Singh Karan P. , Mains Douglas A. , Lackan Nuha A. 
Published: January 2010

Abstract Purpose: To organize the properties of safety culture addressed by many studies and to develop a conceptual culture of safety model. Design and Methods: A comprehensive review of the culture of safety literature within the U.S. hospital setting. The review was a qualitative meta‐analysis from which we generated a conceptual culture of safety framework and developed a typology of the safety culture literature. Findings: Seven subcultures of patient safety culture were identified: (a) leadership, (b) teamwork, (c) evidence‐based, (d) communication, (e) learning, (f) just, and (g) patient‐centered. Conclusions: Safety culture is a complex phenomenon that is not clearly understood by hospital leaders, thus making it difficult to operationalize. We found senior leadership accountability key to an organization‐wide culture of safety. Clinical Relevance: Hospital leaders are increasingly pressured by federal, state, regulatory, and consumer groups to demonstrate an organizational safety culture that assures patients are safe from medical error. This article defines a safety culture framework that may support hospital leadership answer the question “what is a patient safety culture?”
An improved, standardised protocol for the isolation, enrichment and targeted neural differentiation of Nestin+ progenitors from adult human dermis
Authors: Ernst Nancy , Tiede Stephan , Tronnier Volker , Kruse Charli , Zechel Christina , Paus Ralf 
Published: January 2010

Please cite this paper as: An improved, standardised protocol for the isolation, enrichment and targeted neural differentiation of Nestin+ progenitors from adult human dermis. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 549–555.Abstract:  Human skin‐derived Nestin+ cells serve as a convenient source for autologous, adult, pluripotent progenitor cells that offer new therapeutic possibilities in cell‐based regenerative medicine. However, the isolation of human Nestin+ cells has tended to be of very low efficiency and to produce highly variable cell yields. Here we report a standardised protocol that facilitates the isolation and enrichment of Nestin+ progenitor cells from enzymatically digested adult human scalp dermis. The use of distinct media like Dulbecco’s modified Eagle medium supplemented with foetal bovine serum or, alternatively, serum‐free, supplemented neural stem cell medium greatly affected cell morphology, proliferation and differentiation (e.g. towards a neural versus mesenchymal phenotype). Finally, Nestin+ cells were isolated from a heterogeneous dermis‐derived progenitor cell population, which proliferates within clones or floating microspheres under defined serum‐free culture conditions. Supplementation of the medium with epidermal growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor as well as coating with fibronectin allowed the highest enrichment level of Nestin+ progenitors and differentiation towards neural fate. These methodological advances should greatly facilitate the isolation, culture and targeted differentiation of primary, adult human scalp skin dermis‐derived Nestin+ cells.
Incidence, management and mortality of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome from a prospective study of Chinese paediatric intensive care network
Authors: Hu X , Qian S , Xu F , Huang B , Zhou D , Wang Y , Li C , Fan X , Lu Z , Sun B ,   Chinese Collaborative Study Group for Pediatric Respiratory Failure
Published: January 2010

AbstractAim:  To investigate the incidence, clinical management, mortality and its risk factors, major outcome and costs of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in a Chinese network of 26 paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Methods: In a consecutive 12‐month period, AHRF and ARDS were identified and followed up for 90 days or until death or discharge.Results:  From a total of 11 521 critically ill patients, 461 AHRF were identified in which 306 developed ARDS (66.4%), resulting in incidences of 4% and 2.7%, respectively, with pneumonia (75.1%) and sepsis (14.7%) as main underlying diseases and 83% were 5 years and 1 month‐old. In‐hospital mortality of AHRF was 41.6% (44.8% for ARDS), accounted for 15.5% of all PICU deaths. For those of pneumonia or sepsis with AHRF and ARDS, mortality and its relative risk were significantly higher than those without. Relatively lower tidal volume and total fluid balance, adequate upper limit of PaCO2 in the early PICU days, and family affordability, tended to result in better outcome.Conclusion:  In this prospective study, AHRF had high possibilities to develop ARDS and death risk, as impacted by ventilation settings and fluid intake in the early treatment, as well as socioeconomic factors, which should be considered for implementation of standard of care in respiratory therapy.
Infant and young child feeding in the Peruvian Amazon: the need to promote exclusive breastfeeding and nutrient‐dense traditional complementary foods
Authors: Roche Marion L. , Creed‐Kanashiro Hilary M. , Tuesta Irma , Kuhnlein Harriet V. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe study objective was to understand the role of traditional Awajún foods in dietary quality and the potential impacts on growth of Awajún infants and young children 0–23 months of age. Research took place in April and May of 2004, along the Cenepa River in six Awajún communities. Anthropometry estimated nutritional status for 32 infants (0–23 months). Repeat dietary recalls and infant feeding histories were completed with 32 mothers. Adequacy of the complementary foods was compared with World Health Organization guidelines. Anthropometry indicated a high prevalence of stunting (39.4% of infants and young children), with nutritional status declining with age. Half of the Awajún mothers practised exclusive breastfeeding. Dietary recalls and infant food histories suggested that many of the infants were getting adequate nutrition from complementary foods and breastfeeding; however, there was variation in breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices among the mothers. Complementary feeding for young children 12–23 months generally met nutrient recommendations, but mean intakes for iron, zinc, calcium and vitamin A were inadequate in infants 6–11 months. Traditional foods provided 85% of energy and were more nutrient dense than market foods. Appropriate infant and complementary feeding was found among some women; however, given the range of feeding practices and introduction of market foods, health promotion targeting infant and young child feeding is warranted.
First spatial resolution of the stellar components of the interacting binary CH Cygni
Authors: Mikołajewska Joanna , Balega Yuri , Hofmann Karl-Heinz , Weigelt Gerd 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
We report the first resolved bispectrum speckle interferometry of the symbiotic binary CH Cyg. The measured component separation, ρ= 42 ± 2mas, is consistent with the one derived from the known spectroscopic orbit and distance. In particular, our result implies a total mass of the binary of Mt=Mg+Mwd= 3.7+3.5−1.7M⊙, which is in good agreement with the value Mt= 2.7+1.2−0.6M⊙ derived from the spectroscopic orbit solution for the red giant and evolutionary constraints. We also show that the radio jets and the bipolar outflow are not orthogonal to the orbital plane of the binary system.
Star-forming galaxies at z ∼ 2 and the formation of the metal-rich globular cluster population
Authors: Shapiro Kristen L. , Genzel Reinhard , Förster Schreiber Natascha M. 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
We examine whether the super star-forming (super-SF) clumps (R∼ 1–3 kpc; M∼ 108– 109.5 M⊙) now known to be a key component of star-forming galaxies at z∼ 2 could be the formation sites of the locally observed old globular cluster (GC) population. We find that the stellar populations of these super-SF clumps are excellent matches to those of local metal-rich GCs. Moreover, this GC population is known to be associated with the bulges/thick discs of galaxies, and we show that its spatial distribution and kinematics are consistent with the current understanding of the assembly of bulges and thick discs from super-SF clumps at high redshift. Finally, with the assumption that star formation in these clumps proceeds as a scaled-up version of local star formation in molecular clouds, this formation scenario reproduces the observed numbers and mass spectra of metal-rich GCs. The resulting link between the turbulent and clumpy discs observed in high-redshift galaxies and a local GC population provides a plausible co-evolutionary scenario for several of the major components of a galaxy: the bulge, the thick disc and one of the GC populations.
Inexpensive Designer Antigen for Anti-HIV Antibody Detection with High Sensitivity and Specificity
Authors: Talha Sheikh M. , Salminen Teppo , Chugh Deepti A. , Swaminathan Sathyamangalam , Soukka Tero , Pettersson Kim , Khanna Navin 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT

A novel recombinant multiepitope protein (MEP) has been designed that consists of four linear, immunodominant, and phylogenetically conserved epitopes, taken from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-encoded antigens that are used in many third-generation immunoassay kits. This HIV-MEP has been evaluated for its diagnostic potential in the detection of anti-HIV antibodies in human sera. A synthetic MEP gene encoding these epitopes, joined by flexible peptide linkers in a single open reading frame, was designed and overexpressed in
Escherichia coli
. The recombinant HIV-MEP was purified using a single affinity step, yielding >20 mg pure protein/liter culture, and used as the coating antigen in an in-house immunoassay. Bound anti-HIV antibodies were detected by highly sensitive time-resolved fluorometry, using europium(III) chelate-labeled anti-human antibody. The sensitivity and specificity of the HIV-MEP were evaluated using Boston Biomedica worldwide HIV performance, HIV seroconversion, and viral coinfection panels and were found to be comparable with those of commercially available anti-HIV enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kits. The careful choice of epitopes, high epitope density, and an
E. coli-
based expression system, coupled with a simple purification protocol and the use of europium(III) chelate-labeled tracer, provide the capability for the development of an inexpensive diagnostic test with high degrees of sensitivity and specificity.
Immunization of Mice with Single PspA Fragments Induces Antibodies Capable of Mediating Complement Deposition on Different Pneumococcal Strains and Cross-Protection
Authors: Moreno Adriana T. , Oliveira Maria Leonor S. , Ferreira Daniela M. , Ho Paulo L. , Darrieux Michelle , Leite Luciana C. C. , Ferreira Jorge M. C. , Pimenta Fabiana C. , Andrade Ana Lúcia S. S. , Miyaji Eliane N. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT

PspA is an important candidate for a vaccine with serotype-independent immunity against pneumococcal infections. Based on sequence relatedness, PspA has been classified into three families comprising six clades. We have previously addressed the cross-reactivity of antibodies against PspA fragments containing the N-terminal and proline-rich regions of PspA from clades 1 to 5 (PspA1, PspA2, PspA3, PspA4, and PspA5) by Western blot analysis and reported that anti-PspA4 and anti-PspA5 were able to recognize pneumococci expressing PspA proteins from all of the clades analyzed. We have now analyzed the functional capacity of these antibodies to bind and to mediate complement deposition on intact bacteria
in vitro
. Our results show that both PspA4 and PspA5 elicit antibodies that are able to bind and to mediate complement deposition efficiently on pneumococcal strains bearing PspA proteins from clades 1 to 5. Moreover, mice immunized with PspA4 and PspA5 were protected against an intranasal lethal challenge with strains expressing PspA proteins from the two major families. PspA4 and PspA5 are thus able to induce antibodies with a high degree of cross-reactivity
in vitro
, which is reflected in cross-protection of mice. We have also analyzed the contribution of the nonproline (NonPro) block within the conserved proline-rich region to the reactivity of anti-PspA antibodies, and the results indicate that N-terminal α-helical region, the blocks of proline repeats, and the NonPro region can influence the degree of cross-reactivity of antibodies to PspA.
Subtilase Cytotoxin-Encoding
subAB
Operon Found Exclusively among Shiga Toxin-Producing
Escherichia coli
Strains
Authors: Irino Kinue , Vieira Mônica A. Midolli , Gomes Tânia A. Tardelli , Guth Beatriz E. Cabilio , Naves Zita V. Furtado , Oliveira Murilo Gomes , dos Santos Luis Fernando , Guirro Mirian , Timm Claudio D. , Pigatto Caroline P. , Farah Sonia M. S. S. , Vaz Tânia M. I. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT

The presence of
subAB
was investigated for 3,453
Escherichia coli
strains of various pathogenic categories. The occurrence of other virulence genes in
subAB
-positive strains was investigated. The
subAB
operon was detected among some Shiga toxin-producing
E. coli
(STEC) serotypes devoid of
eae
and carrying
ehx
A. Most
subAB
-positive strains also harbored
stx
2
,
iha
,
saa
, and
lpfA
O113
.