bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relative information content of operating and financing cash flow in the proposed cash flow statement
Authors: Francis Rick N. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThis study compares the relative information content of the new specifications of operating and financing cash flow as proposed jointly by the IASB and the FASB with the specifications in SFAS No. 95. A unique feature of the study is the use of the Siegel and Biddle (1994) test of relative information content. The results indicate that the proposed operating cash flow measure has less relative information content than the current measure, and the results for financing cash flow are consistent with equity investors finding no significant difference between the current and proposed measures.
The valuation of R&D expenditures in Japan
Authors: Nguyen Pascal , Nivoix Sophie , Noma Mikiharu 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe difficulty to measure the long‐term benefits of R&D expenditures and the distortions induced by R&D accounting suggest that R&D‐intensive firms could be undervalued. Using several methods commonly applied to detect the abnormal returns associated with mispricing, we find little evidence that the value of R&D investments has been underestimated in the Japanese stock market. Given that R&D accounting rules in Japan are similar to those in United States, the results appear to reject the hypothesis that accounting biases are the cause of the undervaluation of R&D investments observed in the United States.
PEACOCKE'S SELF‐KNOWLEDGE
Authors: Coliva Annalisa 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe paper reviews Christopher Peacocke's account of self‐knowledge. His proposal relies on the claim that first‐order mental states may be given to a subject so as to function as reasons, from his point of view, for the corresponding self‐ascriptions. Peacocke's Being Known elicits two different views of how that may be the case: a given propositional attitude is considered to be conscious if, on the one hand, there is something it is like to have it; and, on the other, if it can occupy a subject's attention without being an object of attention. I examine both views and conclude that, on the latter, Peacocke's proposal risks of not offering an independent reason for the self‐ascription, and, on the former, of offering no reason at all. I then turn to some ideas from his The Realm of Reason and claim that they can help stabilise his earlier account only at the cost of surrendering internalism in the epistemology of psychological self‐ascriptions and of contaminating internalist proposals about knowledge of any subject matter with an externalist base which would betray their point. Unless one doesn't want to pay this price, then Peacocke's account offers no solution to the problem of self‐knowledge.1
PERMUTATIONS AND FOSTER PROBLEMS: TWO PUZZLES OR ONE?
Authors: Williams J. Robert G. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractHow are permutation arguments for the inscrutability of reference to be formulated in the context of a Davidsonian truth‐theoretic semantics? Davidson (1979) takes these arguments to establish that there are no grounds for favouring a reference scheme that assigns London to ‘Londres’, rather than one that assigns Sydney to that name. We shall see, however, that it is far from clear whether permutation arguments work when set out in the context of the kind of truth‐theoretic semantics which Davidson favours. The principle required to make the argument work allows us to resurrect Foster problems against the Davidsonian position. The Foster problems and the permutation inscrutability problems stand or fall together: they are one puzzle, not two.1
Variance Estimation for Statistics Computed from Inhomogeneous Spatial Point Processes
Authors: Guan Yongtao 
Published: August 2010

Summary
The paper introduces a new approach to estimate the variance of statistics that are computed from an inhomogeneous spatial point process. The approach proposed is based on the assumption that the observed point process can be thinned to be a second-order stationary point process, where the thinning probability depends only on the first-order intensity function of the (unthinned) original process. The resulting variance estimator is proved to be asymptotically consistent for the target parameter under some very mild conditions. The use of the approach proposed is demonstrated in two important applications of modelling inhomogeneous spatial point processes: residual diagnostics of a fitted model and inference on the unknown regression coefficients. A simulation study and an application to a real data example are used to demonstrate the efficacy of the approach proposed.
Oil demand in transportation sector in Iran: an efficiency and income asymmetric modelling approach
Authors: Mazraati Mohammad 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe transportation sector in Iran consumed about 52 per cent of oil demand in 2005. This high consumption rate of oil in the sector is fuelled by many factors including fiscal policies structural, as well as infrastructural factors. The vehicle ownership (intensity), efficiency of vehicles, public transportation, transport infrastructure, per capita income, cost of vehicle use, and fuel prices are among the factors which are shaping the trend of oil demand in this very important sector. Energy in Iran is heavily subsidized and in the transportation sector, the subsidy amounted to $3.59 billion in 1996, rising to $12.43 billion in 2005.Logistic model of vehicle ownership is estimated as a function of real per capita income, length of roads and other explanatory variables. Per capita income is a cumulative non‐declining variable incorporating the idea of income asymmetric. Oil demand is estimated as a function of fuel efficiency, age of car fleet, per capita income and vehicle ownership per 1,000 inhabitants. Oil demand elasticities of vehicle ownership and fuel efficiency are 1.29 and 1.11, respectively, confirming that these variables have major impacts on oil demand in the transportation sector. It is concluded that rationing of fuel or upward price adjustment merely cannot curb the fast growth of oil demand in the sector. A policy package including mandatory fuel efficiency standards, scraping of old vehicles, upward fuel price, and development of public transportation could lead to better management of fuel consumption in this sector.
Trying to Make Sense of the Bank of Japan's Monetary Policy since the Exit from Quantitative Easing
Authors: Ueda Kazuo 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIn this short note, I review the Bank of Japan (BOJ)'s monetary policy since its exit from the so‐called quantitative easing regime early in 2006. The major characteristic of the policy stance during the period, called Strategy 2 below, has been to adjust the policy interest rate gradually upward in response to a healthy real economy despite stagnant behaviour in consumer prices. Such a policy stance can be contrasted with a hypothetical strategy, Strategy 1, whereby the BOJ would have kept the policy rate at lower levels, possibly at 0%, until inflation starts to show an upward trend more clearly. The two strategies are compared on many fronts with particular attention to well‐known recent empirical regularities about inflation – a smaller response of inflation to output and larger uncertainties about the response. Various comparisons of the two strategies offered here, although far from conclusive, tend to support Strategy 1 over Strategy 2. In my discussion of the two strategies, I also comment on some of the major features of the Nishimura article in this issue.
The Absent Friend: EU Foreign Policy and Counter‐Terrorism
Authors: KEOHANE DANIEL 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe article argues that the relative absence of foreign policy from the EU's counter‐terrorism efforts is surprising given the nature of the threat. The reasons for this range from the EU's role and approach to counter‐terrorism, to the leading role of interior ministers and a focus on the internal threat. External factors and actors also come into play, such as the US ‘global war on terror’ and Nato's role in counter‐terrorism. The article explores three core aspects of the external dimension of counter‐terrorism policy and argues that areas such as development assistance and democracy promotion have become securitized.
The European Union, Democracy and Counter‐Terrorism in the Maghreb
Authors: JOFFÉ GEORGE 
Published: August 2010

AbstractSince 2001, the nature of the European Union's external action in the Mediterranean, particularly with respect to North Africa, has undergone significant change. The normative objectives of the Euro‐Mediterranean Partnership have become securitized in that co‐operation to achieve economic and political development between South Mediterranean states has been effectively replaced by co‐operation to combat a shared threat: transnational terrorism. The signifier of this process has been the way in which the approach to the issue of migration as a security concern has been modified but the consequence has been to downplay the role of norms of democratization and human rights in intra‐Mediterranean political relationships.
European Responses to International Terrorism: Diversity Awareness as a New Capability?*
Authors: WIENER ANTJE 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThis exploratory article seeks to identify angles for theory‐guided research on European responses to terrorism. It argues that, when placed within the historical context of its own trajectory in the area of border politics, and especially experiences related to the Schengen Agreement, its implementation and cross‐pillar collaboration, it is possible to identify a distinct European capability. This article describes this capability as ‘diversity awareness’. That is, as an actor on the world stage, the European Union is able to draw on transnational and trans‐border experiences with law enforcement in beyond‐the‐state settings, as opposed to e.g. conventional warfare in order to defend the national interest. While sympathetic to the ‘normative power Europe’ literature, the article's critical constructivist approach notes reservations against the Universalist bias of that literature and proposes an approach that is more conducive to empirical research instead.
Subplate in the developing cortex of mouse and human
Authors: Wang Wei Zhi , Hoerder‐Suabedissen Anna , Oeschger Franziska M. , Bayatti Nadhim , Ip Bui Kar , Lindsay Susan , Supramaniam Veena , Srinivasan Latha , Rutherford Mary , Møllgård Kjeld , Clowry Gavin J. , Molnár Zoltán 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe subplate is a largely transient zone containing precocious neurons involved in several key steps of cortical development. The majority of subplate neurons form a compact layer in mouse, but are dispersed throughout a much larger zone in the human. In rodent, subplate neurons are among the earliest born neocortical cells, whereas in primate, neurons are added to the subplate throughout cortical neurogenesis. Magnetic resonance imaging and histochemical studies show that the human subplate grows in size until the end of the second trimester. Previous microarray experiments in mice have shown several genes that are specifically expressed in the subplate layer of the rodent dorsal cortex. Here we examined the human subplate for some of these markers. In the human dorsal cortex, connective tissue growth factor‐positive neurons can be seen in the ventricular zone at 15–22 postconceptional weeks (PCW) (most at 17 PCW) and are present in the subplate at 22 PCW. The nuclear receptor‐related 1 protein is mostly expressed in the subplate in the dorsal cortex, but also in lower layer 6 in the lateral and perirhinal cortex, and can be detected from 12 PCW. Our results suggest that connective tissue growth factor‐ and nuclear receptor‐related 1‐positive cells are two distinct cell populations of the human subplate. Furthermore, our microarray analysis in rodent suggested that subplate neurons produce plasma proteins. Here we demonstrate that the human subplate also expresses α2zinc‐binding globulin and Alpha‐2‐Heremans‐Schmid glycoprotein/human fetuin. In addition, the established subplate neuron marker neuropeptide Y is expressed superficially, whereas potassium/chloride co‐transporter (KCC2)‐positive neurons are localized in the deep subplate at 16 PCW. These observations imply that the human subplate shares gene expression patterns with rodent, but is more compartmentalized into superficial and deep sublayers. This increased complexity of the human subplate may contribute to differential vulnerability in response to hypoxia/ischaemia across the depth of the cortex. Combining knowledge of cell‐type specific subplate gene expression with modern imaging methods will enable a better understanding of neuropathologies involving the subplate.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in childhood and adolescence – strategies to prevent sudden death
Authors: Östman‐Smith Ingegerd 
Published: August 2010

AbstractClinically overt hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common cause of sudden unexpected death in childhood and has significantly higher sudden death mortality in the 8‐ to 16‐year age range than in the 17‐ to 30‐year age range. A combination of electrocardiographic risk factors (a limb‐lead ECG voltage sum >10 mV) and/or a septal wall thickness >190% of upper limit of normal for age (z‐score > 3.72) defines a paediatric high‐risk patient with great sensitivity. Syncope, blunted blood pressure response to exercise, non‐sustained ventricular tachycardia and a malignant family history are additional risk factors. Of the medical treatments used, only beta‐blocker therapy with lipophilic beta‐blockers (i.e. propranolol, metoprolol or bisoprolol) have been shown to significantly reduce risk of sudden death, with doses ≥6 mg/kg BW in propranolol equivalents giving around a tenfold reduction in risk. Disopyramide therapy is a very useful adjunct to beta‐blockers to improve prognosis in those patients that have dynamic outflow obstruction in spite of large doses of beta‐blocker, and its use in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is not associated with significant pro‐arrhythmia mortality. Calcium‐channel blockers increase the risk of heart failure‐associated death in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients with severe generalized hypertrophy and should be avoided in such patients. Amiodarone does not protect against sudden death, and long‐term use in children usually has to be terminated because of side effects. Therapy with internal cardioverter defibrillator implantation has high paediatric morbidity, 27% incidence of inappropriate shocks, and does not absolutely protect against mortality but is indicated as secondary prevention or in very high‐risk patients.
Applications of microemulsions in cosmetics
Authors: Boonme Prapaporn 
Published: August 2010

SummarySince microemulsions were discovered approximately six decades ago, their applications in several fields, including cosmetics, have been increased due to their good appearance, thermodynamic stability, high solubilization power, and ease of preparation. In addition, microemulsions can enhance skin permeation of the loaded substances. They are classified into three types: oil‐in‐water, bicontinuous, and water‐in‐oil. All types of microemulsions can be formed spontaneously when the ratios of oil, water, and amphiphile in the systems are appropriate. These proper ratios can be found in a microemulsion region of a phase diagram. The efficiency of microemulsions in topical application is related to microemulsion type. Microemulsion characterization needs a combination of the data from several experimental techniques. Numerous applications of cosmetic microemulsions include skin‐care, hair‐care, and personal‐care products for improving the product efficiency and stability. Moreover, new materials have been developed to be used in cosmetic microemulsion formulations for increasing the product efficiency and reducing the toxicity. The aim of this review is to present some basic information of microemulsions and novel applications of microemulsions in cosmetic formulations.
Role of liquid nitrogen alone compared with combination of liquid nitrogen and intralesional triamcinolone acetonide in treatment of small keloids
Authors: Sharma Saurabh , Bhanot Ashish , Kaur Amarjit , Dewan Suraj Parkash 
Published: August 2010

SummaryKeloids are well‐defined fibrous tissue overgrowths extending beyond the original defects. The purpose of our study was to compare the efficacy of liquid nitrogen cryosurgery alone with liquid nitrogen cryosurgery and intralesional triamcinolone acetonide combination. Study on 60 clinically diagnosed lesions of keloids from 21 patients was conducted to compare the efficacy of liquid nitrogen cryosurgery alone. The statistical analysis shows synergistic action of cryosurgery and corticosteroids may offer promise in the treatment.
Marginal traction alopecia severity score: development and test of reliability
Authors: Khumalo N P , Ngwanya R M , Jessop S , Gumedze F , Ehrlich R 
Published: August 2010

SummaryBackground  Traction alopecia (TA) is common in African females. Although hairstyles are thought to be causal, the contribution of individual hairstyling variables to TA severity has not been quantified. The aim of the current study was to develop a severity scoring system (M‐TAS score) for marginal TA, the commonest form of this disorder, and to test its reliability.Method  The margins of the scalp were divided into anterior and posterior with an imaginary line joining the tips of both ears. The anterior and posterior hairlines were further divided into three using the temporalis muscles and mastoid processes at the hairline as landmarks, respectively. Each examiner assessed each of the six areas. If any were found to have TA, the severity was scored using an examiner assessed system (tested once) or a picture matched score (tested twice). Ten and eight female patients with TA of varying severity were assessed by 11 and 9 examiners (dermatologists, dermatology trainees, and nurses), respectively.Results  The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for interobserver agreement was larger with photograph‐matched scores than with examiner estimated scores reaching substantial (0.61–0.80) and excellent (0.81–100) agreement for both anterior and posterior scores irrespective of level of skill of examiner. The ICC for intraobserver agreement with the photograph matched scores was 0.99.Limitations  The diagnosis of normal margin was excellent for the anterior yet poor for the posterior margin with photograph scores. The M‐TAS score is not for diagnosis but to assess severity.Conclusion  The photograph‐based M‐TAS score requires validation with larger samples but could be a useful research tool for elucidating disease prevalence and determinants of TA as well for monitoring response to treatment.
Threading warts: a beauty parlor dermatosis
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Zawar Vijay 
Published: August 2010

SummaryThreading is a common beauty parlor procedure usually performed to shape the eyebrows and remove unwanted facial hair for cosmetic reasons. Appearance of warts at the site of threading is an unusual phenomenon. We report two such cases, first as koebnerization from the initial lesion elsewhere on the patient's body and second, possibly from the infected material at the beauty parlor. We emphasize the importance of identification of this condition and discuss its dermatological and cosmetological perspectives.
Measurement and mathematical modelling of elastic and resistive lung mechanical properties studied at sinusoidal expiratory flow
Authors: Bitzén Ulrika , Niklason Lisbet , Göransson Ingegerd , Jonson Björn 
Published: August 2010

SummaryElastic pressure/volume (Pel/V) and elastic pressure/resistance (Pel/R) diagrams reflect parenchymal and bronchial properties, respectively. The objective was to develop a method for determination and mathematical characterization of Pel/V and Pel/R relationships, simultaneously studied at sinusoidal flow–modulated vital capacity expirations in a body plethysmograph. Analysis was carried out by iterative parameter estimation based on a composite mathematical model describing a three‐segment Pel/V curve and a hyperbolic Pel/R curve. The hypothesis was tested that the sigmoid Pel/V curve is non‐symmetric. Thirty healthy subjects were studied. The hypothesis of a non‐symmetric Pel/V curve was verified. Its upper volume asymptote was nearly equal to total lung capacity (TLC), indicating lung stiffness increasing at high lung volume as the main factor limiting TLC at health. The asymptotic minimal resistance of the hyperbolic Pel/R relationship reflected lung size. A detailed description of both Pel/V and Pel/R relationships was simultaneously derived from sinusoidal flow–modulated vital capacity expirations. The nature of the Pel/V curve merits the use of a non‐symmetric Pel/V model.
Emodin, a natural product, selectively inhibits 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and ameliorates metabolic disorder in diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Feng Ying , Huang Su‐ling , Dou Wei , Zhang Song , Chen Jun‐hua , Shen Yu , Shen Jian‐hua , Leng Ying 
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 11β‐Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β‐HSD1) is an attractive therapeutic target of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Emodin, a natural product and active ingredient of various Chinese herbs, has been demonstrated to possess multiple biological activities. Here, we investigated the effects of emodin on 11β‐HSD1 and its ability to ameliorate metabolic disorders in diet‐induced obese (DIO) mice.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Scintillation proximity assay was performed to evaluate inhibition of emodin against recombinant human and mouse 11β‐HSDs. The ability of emodin to inhibit prednisone‐ or dexamethasone‐induced insulin resistance was investigated in C57BL/6J mice and its effect on metabolic abnormalities was observed in DIO mice.KEY RESULTS Emodin is a potent and selective 11β‐HSD1 inhibitor with the IC50 of 186 and 86 nM for human and mouse 11β‐HSD1, respectively. Single oral administration of emodin inhibited 11β‐HSD1 activity of liver and fat significantly in mice. Emodin reversed prednisone‐induced insulin resistance in mice, whereas it did not affect dexamethasone‐induced insulin resistance, which confirmed its inhibitory effect on 11β‐HSD1 in vivo. In DIO mice, oral administration of emodin improved insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism, and lowered blood glucose and hepatic PEPCK, and glucose‐6‐phosphatase mRNA.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This study demonstrated a new role for emodin as a potent and selective inhibitor of 11β‐HSD1 and its beneficial effects on metabolic disorders in DIO mice. This highlights the potential value of analogues of emodin as a new class of compounds for the treatment of metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes.