bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THE DEBATE ABOUT THE REVIVED BRETTON‐WOODS REGIME: A SURVEY AND EXTENSION OF THE LITERATURE
Authors: Hall Stephen G. , Tavlas George S. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis paper surveys the literature dealing with the thesis put forward by Dooley, Folkerts‐Landau and Garber (DFG) that the present constellation of global exchange‐rate arrangements constitutes a revived Bretton‐Woods regime. DFG also argue that the revived regime will be sustainable, despite its large global imbalances. While much of the literature generated by DFG's thesis points to specific differences between the earlier regime and revived regime that render the latter unstable, we argue that an underlying similarity between the two regimes renders the revived regime unstable. Specifically, to the extent that the present system constitutes a revived Bretton‐Woods system, it is vulnerable to the same set of destabilizing forces – including asset‐price bubbles and global financial crises – that marked the latter years of the earlier regime, leading to its breakdown. We extend the Markov switching model to examine the relation between global liquidity and commodity prices. We find an evidence of commodity‐price bubbles in both the latter stages of the earlier Bretton‐Woods regime and the revived regime.
Measuring nonlinear dependence in time‐series, a distance correlation approach
Authors: Zhou Zhou 
Published: March 2012

We extend the concept of distance correlation ofSzekelyet al.(2007)and propose the auto distance correlation function (ADCF) to measure the temporal dependence structure of time‐series. Unlike the classic measures of correlations such as the autocorrelation function, the proposed measure is zero if and only if the measured time‐series components are independent. In this article, we propose and theoretically verify a subsampling methodology for the inference of sample ADCF for dependent data. Our methodology provides a useful tool for exploring nonlinear dependence structures in time‐series.
Nuclear and mitochondrial DNA reveals significant intraspecific genetic differentiation of tokay gecko in southern China and northern Vietnam
Authors: Wang G. , Peng Q. , Wu L. , Wang T. , Peng R. , Li L. , Zeng X. , Zou F. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe common tokay gecko (Gekko gecko gecko) is widely distributed across southern China, Vietnam and other countries in Southeast Asia. It includes two distinct morphological forms with largely allopatric distributions, which are referred to as the black‐spotted tokay and the red‐spotted tokay. Considering their different morphological features and distributions, a question has been proposed by taxonomists and still not resolved: do these two forms belong to one subspecies? Previous studies indicated a high genetic variability between them, but did not give a consistent conclusion regarding their taxonomic status. In this work, we employed two mitochondrial genes (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and cytochrome b) and nine microsatellite DNA loci to explore the phylogenetic relationship and population genetic structure in the two forms from southern China and northern Vietnam. MtDNA results revealed four deeply divergent lineages. Red‐spotted tokays were clustered into one lineage, and black‐spotted tokays were clustered into three lineages. Microsatellite DNA results confirmed significant levels of genetic differentiation between the red‐spotted tokay lineage and one black‐spotted tokay lineage, consistent with the mtDNA pattern. In conclusion, considering both morphological and genetic information, we suggest that the red‐spotted tokay lineage and one of the black‐spotted tokay lineages have probably differentiated into two subspecies. However, more extensive sampling and genetic information are needed to further understand the taxonomic relationships of tokay gecko, particularly the three lineages within the black‐spotted tokay.
Ambulatory activity of children with cerebral palsy: which characteristics are important?
Authors: VAN WELY LEONTIEN , BECHER JULES G , BALEMANS ASTRID C J , DALLMEIJER ANNET J 
Published: March 2012

Aim  To assess ambulatory activity of children with cerebral palsy (CP), aged 7 to 13 years, and identify associated characteristics.Method  Sixty‐two children with spastic CP (39 males, 23 females; mean age 10y 1mo, SD 1y 8mo; age range 7–13y), classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I to III, participated. Ambulatory activity was measured during 1 week with a StepWatch activity monitor as steps per day, and time spent at medium and high step rates. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed following a backward selection procedure until only independent variables with p<0.05 remained in the model. Ambulatory activity outcome parameters served as dependent variables, and disease, personal, and environmental characteristics as independent variables. Ambulatory activity was corrected for body height.Results  Children took more steps during school days (5169 steps, SD 1641) than during weekend days (4158 steps, SD 2048; p<0.001). Higher GMFCS level, bilateral CP, and higher age were associated with lower ambulatory activity on school days (R2 ranged from 43–53%), whereas bilateral CP, higher age, and no sport club participation were associated with lower ambulatory activity in the weekend (R2 ranged from 21–42%). Correcting for body height decreased the association with age.Interpretation  Interventions should focus at increasing physical activity at the weekend for children with bilateral spastic CP.
Carvedilol Attenuates the Progression of Alcohol Fatty Liver Disease in Rats
Authors: Liu Jinyao , Takase Izumi , Hakucho Ayako , Okamura Nanako , Fujimiya Tatsuya 
Published: March 2012

BackgroundHepatosteatosis is an essential step in liver disease progression. However, the mechanisms that mediate the progression of hepatosteatosis and the optimal inhibitor of them remain largely unclear. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is responsible for the lipid metabolism and the accumulation of collagen that occurs in an injured liver. Medicines that inhibit this pathway may be a relevant treatment for the hepatosteatosis, and then reduce the liver injury that progresses through the stage of steatosis to fibrosis.MethodsUsing an ethanol‐liquid‐diet‐fed rat model of alcohol fatty liver disease (AFLD), we studied the effects of carvedilol, which can block the SNS completely via β1, β2, and α1 adrenergic receptors, on the sympathetic tone, hepatosteatosis, and fibrosis based on histological, immunohistochemical, Western blot, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analyses.ResultsCarvedilol inhibited the ethanol‐induced whole‐body and hepatic sympathetic activities based on the serum 3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxyphenylglycol level and hepatic tyrosine hydroxylase expression. Carvedilol attenuated the hepatosteatosis, as evidenced by reduced hepatic triglyceride level and the accumulation of fatty droplets within hepatocytes, down‐regulated fatty acid synthase and sterol regulatory element binding protein‐1, and up‐regulated peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α. No fibrosis signs were shown in our rat model. Carvedilol inhibited ethanol‐induced the thickening of zone 3 vessel walls, reduced the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and decreased the induction of collagen, transforming growth factor β1, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐1. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) was expressed on the activated HSCs and inhibited by carvedilol based on the immunohistochemical double staining analysis.ConclusionsEthanol metabolism‐induced lipogenesis may trigger the SNS‐activated HSCs feedback loop, and then induct the activated HSCs and the activated HSCs–derived TNF‐α, the mediator of lipogenesis, overproduction. Carvedilol may block this feedback loop via antisympathetic activity and demonstrate its preventive role on the development of hepatosteatosis in rat with AFLD.
Concepts for Designing and Fabricating Metal Implant Frameworks for Hybrid Implant Prostheses
Authors: Drago Carl , Howell Kent 
Published: March 2012

AbstractEdentulous patients have reported difficulties in managing complete dentures; they have also reported functional concerns and higher expectations regarding complete dentures than the dentists who have treated them. Some of the objectives of definitive fixed implant prosthodontic care include predictable, long‐term prostheses, improved function, and maintenance of alveolar bone. One of the keys to long‐term clinical success is the design and fabrication of metal frameworks that support implant prostheses. Multiple, diverse methods have been reported regarding framework design in implant prosthodontics. Original designs were developed empirically, without the benefit of laboratory testing. Prosthetic complications reported after occlusal loading included screw loosening, screw fracture, prosthesis fracture, crestal bone loss around implants, and implant loss. Numerous authors promoted accurately fitting frameworks; however, it has been noted that metal frameworks do not fit accurately. Passively fitting metal implant frameworks and implants have not been realized. Biologic consequences of ill‐fitting frameworks were not well understood. Basic engineering principles were then incorporated into implant framework designs; however, laboratory testing was lacking. It has been reported that I‐ and L‐beam designs were the best clinical option. With the advent of CAD/CAM protocols, milled titanium frameworks became quite popular in implant prosthodontics. The purpose of this article is to discuss current and past literature regarding implant‐retained frameworks for full‐arch, hybrid restorations. Benefits, limitations, and complications associated with this type of prosthesis will be reviewed. This discussion will include the relative inaccuracy of casting/implant fit and improved accuracy noted with CAD/CAM framework/implant fit; cantilever extensions relative to the A/P implant spread; and mechanical properties associated with implant frameworks including I‐ and L‐beam designs. Guidelines will be proposed for use by clinicians and laboratory technicians in designing implant‐retained frameworks.
Creating Customer Value in Participating Life Insurance
Authors: Gatzert Nadine , Holzmüller Ines , Schmeiser Hato 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe value of a life insurance contract may differ depending on whether it is looked at from the customer's point of view or that of the insurance company. We assume that the insurer is able to replicate the life insurance contract's cash flows via assets traded on the capital market and can hence apply risk‐neutral valuation techniques. The policyholder, on the other hand, will take risk preferences and diversification opportunities into account when placing a value on that same contract. Customer value is represented by policyholder willingness to pay and depends on the contract parameters, that is, the guaranteed interest rate and the annual and terminal surplus participation rate. The aim of this article is to analyze and compare these two perspectives. In particular, we identify contract parameter combinations that—while keeping the contract value fixed for the insurer—maximize customer value. In addition, we derive explicit expressions for a selection of specific cases. Our results suggest that a customer segmentation in this sense, that is, based on the different ways customers evaluate life insurance contracts and embedded investment guarantees while ensuring fair values, is worthwhile for insurance companies as doing so can result in substantial increases in policyholder willingness to pay.
In the Wake of the Spill: Environmental Views Along the Gulf Coast
Authors: Hamilton Lawrence C. , Safford Thomas G. , Ulrich Jessica D. 
Published: March 2012

ObjectivesWe analyze patterns in environmental views of Gulf Coast residents, in the wake of the 2010 oil spill. To what extent do spill‐related and other environmental views vary with individual characteristics, personal experience with the spill, or characteristics of place?MethodsAbout 2,000 residents of selected coastal regions in Louisiana and Florida were interviewed by telephone in late summer 2010.ResultsOne‐quarter of the respondents said that their environmental views had changed as a result of the spill. Despite reporting more change, more spill effects, and greater threats from climate‐induced sea‐level rise, Louisiana respondents were less likely to support a deepwater moratorium, alternative energy, or resource conservation.ConclusionsResults are consistent with real effects from the spill. Differences between Louisiana and Florida respondents are not explained by spill effects or individual characteristics, however. The patterns reflect biophysical differences of the coastlines that shaped their socioeconomic development.
Structural and Spectroscopic Studies of Hydroxyapatite Nanorods  Formed via Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis Route
Authors: Mishra Vijay K. , Srivastava Sunil K. , Asthana Birendra P. , Kumar Devendra 
Published: March 2012

In the present investigation Hydroxyapatite [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2:(HAp)] nanorods were synthesized using microwave irradiation technique taking ethylene diamine tetra‐acetic acid as a complexing reagent. Hydroxyapatite precursor obtained using microwave irradiation was subjected to differential thermal analysis. Later it was calcined in the temperature range 450°C–900°C. The crystal, grain, and bonding structures of resulting HAp were characterized structurally using X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques and spectroscopically using Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) and Raman techniques. The structural and spectroscopic characterizations of precursor revealed the formation of hydrated HAp. SEM images of the specimens calcined at 600°C and 900°C are presented. This study clearly reveals that nanorods are not formed below 700°C and nanorods are formed only after heat treatment of HAp precursor at 700°C and above. The diameter of nanorods was estimated to be ~200 nm. No nanostructures were found to be formed if the precursor is calcined below 700°C. FT‐IR and Raman spectra of HAp samples obtained after calcinations at 700°C and above further confirm the formation of HAp nanorods.
Nano‐Hafnium Diboride Powders Synthesized Using a Spark Plasma Sintering Apparatus
Authors: Wang Hailong , Lee Sea‐Hoon , Kim Hai‐Doo 
Published: March 2012

Nano‐hafnium diboride powder was synthesized by boro/carborthermal reduction process of HfO2 using a spark plasma sintering (SPS) apparatus. The agglomerated product was found to be 1–2 μm in size, which was composed with small primary particles of 100–200 nm in size. The particle size of HfO2 played an important role to produce the nano‐boride powder. In addition, the grain growth of HfB2 could be effectively suppressed by using SPS due to the fast heating rate. The synthesized powder had a low oxygen content (~0.66 wt%). Excessive B4C and C were necessary during the boro/carborthermal reduction in HfO2 process because of the volatilization of boron as a form of B2O3 and the reduction in residual HfO2.
High Ki‐67 expression in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma patients with non‐germinal center subtype indicates limited survival benefit from R‐CHOP therapy
Authors: Li Zhi‐Ming , Huang Jia‐Jia , Xia Yi , Zhu Ying‐Jie , Zhao Wei , Wei Wen‐Xiao , Jiang Wen‐Qi , Lin Tong‐Yu , Huang Hui‐Qiang , Guan Zhong‐Zhen 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectives:  Rituximab has significantly improved the survival of patients with DLBCL, especially those with non‐germinal center B‐cell‐like (non‐GCB) subtype. The impact of Ki‐67 expression, an index of proliferation, on the clinical outcomes of patients with DLBCL has largely been unexplored. This study aimed to investigate whether Ki‐67 expression is an indicator of outcome in DLBCL patients (especially non‐GCB DLBCL patients) treated with standard chemotherapy combined with rituximab.Methods:  Expression of Ki‐67 protein was examined immunohistochemically in 118 tumor specimens from patients newly diagnosed with DLBCL and treated with R‐CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone).Results:  Overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were lower in patients with high Ki‐67 expression than in those with low Ki‐67 expression (3‐year OS: 65.2% vs. 81.7%, P = 0.030; 3‐year PFS: 56.4% vs. 73.3%, P = 0.020), similar in patients with GCB subtype and those with the non‐GCB subtype (OS: P = 0.330; PFS: P = 0.287). According to Ki‐67 expression status by immunophenotype subgroups, patients with high Ki‐67 expression in non‐GCB subgroup had the most unfavorable PFS and OS, comparing with the other three subgroups (P = 0.004 and P = 0.002, respectively). In multivariate analysis, non‐GCB with high Ki‐67 expression was an independent prognostic predictor of inferior survival in DLBCL patients treated with R‐CHOP.Conclusion:  For DLBCL patients with non‐GCB DLBCL and high Ki‐67 expression, the survival benefit from R‐CHOP therapy is limited.
Role of non‐surgical therapies in the management of periocular basal cell carcinoma and squamous intra‐epidermal carcinoma: a case series and review of the literature
Authors: Attili Sasi K. , Ibbotson Sally H. , Fleming Colin 
Published: March 2012

SummaryBackgroundBasal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous intra‐epidermal carcinoma (IEC) are the most common periocular tumours and can be associated with significant morbidity. Five percent of imiquimod cream and photodynamic therapy (PDT) are popular non‐surgical treatment options but are currently not licensed for periocular use.ObjectivesTo review our experience with these treatments and summarize published literature (PubMed: up to September 2011).Patients and MethodsWe conducted a review of case notes for all patients with periocular BCC and IEC treated with either PDT or imiquimod, within National Health Service (NHS) Tayside, Scotland, from 1996 to 2009.ResultsSix of 13 and five of 12 lesions treated with imiquimod (median duration of clearance = 35 months; range = 24–55 months) and PDT (median duration of clearance = 66 months; range = 4–80 months), respectively, achieved clinical clearance. The majority of patients in our series did manage to tolerate and continue both treatments, with no significant longer‐term adverse effects.ConclusionsOur limited experience along with published reports suggests that both imiquimod and PDT are effective in the treatment of periocular non‐melanoma skin cancers in selected patients. However, surgical excision with margin control remains the gold standard for the treatment of periocular tumours.
Validation of a novel high‐intensity LED light source for skin phototesting at 365 nm
Authors: Wan Pengjie , Edwards Chris , Zheng Jie , Anstey Alex 
Published: March 2012

SummaryBackgroundThe gold standard for investigation of patients with suspected photosensitivity involves phototesting on non‐exposed skin with an irradiation monochromator (IM). However, this device is bulky, expensive and only available at a small number of specialised photodermatology units. We have developed a small handheld high output monochromatic light source for phototesting to UVA at 365 nm using light‐emitting diodes (LEDs).MethodsA UNO light engine (Enfis, Swansea, UK) at 365 nm was used to develop a handheld intense source. Seventy‐seven normal healthy volunteers were phototested on the lower back with the LED source and with an IM at 365 nm. Minimal erythema dose (MED) at 24 h was assessed visually and by a diffuse reflectance erythemameter.ResultsIn 77 volunteers, MED levels for the two sources agreed in 66 out of 77 cases (85.7%). In a further 10 out of 77 patients, the measured MED elicited by the LED source was 1 dose level higher than the monochromator MED.ConclusionA high‐intensity portable and low cost LED phototesting device was developed. The results confirm that phototesting to UVA at 365 nm using this LED light source compares favourably to monochromator light testing at this wavelength.
Prevalence and predictors of low vitamin D status in patients referred to a tertiary photodiagnostic service: a retrospective study
Authors: Reid Suzanne M. , Robinson Mark , Kerr Alastair C. , Ibbotson Sally Helen 
Published: March 2012

SummaryBackground/PurposeLow vitamin D levels have been associated with adverse effects on health. The primary source of vitamin D is cutaneous production during sunlight exposure. Sun avoidance can restrict vitamin D photosynthesis and is common practice amongst patients with photosensitivity. Few studies have examined vitamin D status in this population, particularly those in northern latitudes. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate the prevalence and possible predictors of low vitamin D status in patients referred to a tertiary photodiagnostic service.MethodsA case note review of 165 patients who attended the National Photodiagnostic Service for assessment at the Photobiology Unit in Dundee, Scotland (latitude 56°N) over 1 year was conducted. Clinical information and serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration were documented. Multivariate analyses were used to identify predictors of vitamin D status.ResultsMean 25(OH)D concentration was 41.9 nmol/L [standard deviation (SD) 22.0]. Forty percent of patients had insufficient vitamin D levels [25(OH)D 25–49 nmol/L] and 25% were vitamin D deficient [25(OH)D < 25 nmol/L]. Blood collection in winter was the strongest predictor of low 25(OH)D status (P < 0.001); strict photoprotection (P = 0.04), onset of symptoms within an hour of sunlight exposure (P = 0.01) and abnormal monochromator phototesting responses (P = 0.009) also predicted low vitamin D levels. Supplement use was associated with higher vitamin D levels (P < 0.001), even amongst patients who strictly avoided sunlight (P = 0.03).ConclusionsPatients with photosensitivity who live in northern latitudes are at high risk of low vitamin D levels, particularly in winter and spring. Increased awareness of this risk is crucial to ensure preventative strategies, such as supplementation, are implemented.
Photolocalized purpura during levofloxacin therapy
Authors: Rubegni Pietro , Feci Luca , Pellegrino Michele , Fimiani Michele 
Published: March 2012

SummarySide‐effects associated with levofloxacin treatment include phototoxicity, hypersensitivity and skin disorders. Purpuric eruptions have rarely been reported. We describe the case of a 75‐year‐old woman who was prescribed a 15‐day course of levofloxacin (500 mg twice a day) for hemorrhagic cystitis. On exposure to sunlight, the patient developed a pruritic purpuric eruption on the lower extremities. The acute reaction differed from a classical sunburn, manifesting as confluent petechiae limited to sun‐exposed areas and accompanied by pruritus. This was a rare case of solar capillaritis. Purpuric eruptions on photoexposed skin should be considered another unusual side effect of levofloxacin.