bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does the option market produce superior forecasts of noise‐corrected volatility measures?
Authors: M. Martin Gael , Reidy Andrew , Wright Jill 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis paper assesses the robustness of the relative performance of spot‐ and options‐based volatility forecasts to the treatment of microstructure noise. Robustness of the results to the method of constructing option‐implied forecasts is also investigated. Using a test for superior predictive ability, model‐free implied volatility, which exploits information in the volatility ‘smile’, and at‐the‐money implied volatility, which does not, are both tested as benchmark forecasts of a range of alternative volatility proxies. The results provide compelling evidence against the model‐free forecast for three Dow Jones Industrial Average stocks, over a 2001–2006 evaluation period. In contrast, the at‐the‐money implied volatility forecast is given strong support for the three equities over this period. Neither benchmark is supported for the S&P500 index. Importantly, the main qualitative results are invariant to the method of noise correction used in measuring future volatility. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Benomyl induction of brain aromatase and toxic effects in the zebrafish embryo
Authors: Kim Dong‐Jae , Seok Seung‐Hyeok , Baek Min‐Won , Lee Hui‐Young , Na Yi‐Rang , Park Sung‐Hoon , Lee Hyun‐Kyoung , Dutta Noton Kumar , Kawakami Koichi , Park Jae‐Hak 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBenomyl is a benzimidazole fungicide that has been widely used on a variety of food crops and ornamental plants. It is known to cause adverse effects on reproductive systems, including decreased testicular and epididymal weights and reduced epididymal sperm counts and fertility. The brain aromatase gene is up‐regulated by estrogens and estrogen mimics and considered a target gene to screen estrogen mimics. This study was designed to test the estrogenic potential and toxic effects of benomyl in the zebrafish system, and validated this system as a model that may correspond to the effect of benomyl in rodents. Concentrations of 20 × 10−6, 40 × 10−6 and 80 × 10−6 m of benomyl‐treated embryos showed decreased survival, hatching and heart rates, and increased incidence of malformations, such as pericardial edema, spinal lordosis, elongated heart, head edema, eye lens protrusion and caudal fin disappearance. Benomyl induced enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) in transient zebrafish embryos with a brain aromatase‐based reporter gene. In this study, we determined that benomyl has estrogenic potential based on zebrafish brain aromatase gene induction, and that benomyl is toxic at 20 × 10−6 m concentration and higher. These results demonstrate the usefulness of zebrafish embryos as an in vivo system to examine the estrogenic and developmental toxic potential of unknown compounds. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatio‐temporal rainfall variability in the Amazon basin countries (Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador)
Authors: Espinoza Villar Jhan Carlo , Ronchail Josyane , Guyot Jean Loup , Cochonneau Gerard , Naziano Filizola , Lavado Waldo , De Oliveira Eurides , Pombosa Rodrigo , Vauchel Philippe 
Published: December 2008

AbstractRainfall variability in the Amazon basin (AB) is analysed for the 1964–2003 period. It is based on 756 pluviometric stations distributed throughout the AB countries. For the first time it includes data from Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. In particular, the recent availability of rainfall data from the Andean countries makes it possible to complete previous studies. The impact of mountain ranges on rainfall is pointed out. The highest rainfall in the AB is observed in low windward regions, and low rainfall is measured in leeward and elevated stations. Additionally, rainfall regimes are more diversified in the Andean regions than in the lowlands. Rainfall spatio‐temporal variability is studied based on a varimax‐rotated principal component analysis (PCA). Long‐term variability with a decreasing rainfall since the 1980s prevails in June–July–August (JJA) and September–October–November (SON). During the rainiest seasons, i.e. December–January–February (DJF) and March–April–May (MAM), the main variability is at decadal and interannual time scales. Interdecadal variability is related to long‐term changes in the Pacific Ocean, whereas decadal variability, opposing the northwest and the south of the AB, is associated with changes in the strength of the low‐level jet (LLJ) along the Andes. Interannual variability characterizes more specifically the northeast of the basin and the southern tropical Andes. It is related to El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and to the sea surface temperature (SST) gradient over the tropical Atlantic. Mean rainfall in the basin decreases during the 1975–2003 period at an annual rate estimated to be − 0.32%. Break tests show that this decrease has been particularly important since 1982. Further insights into this phenomenon will permit to identify the impact of climate on the hydrology of the AB. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Summer rain fall duration and its diurnal cycle over the US Great Plains
Authors: Chen Haoming , Zhou Tianjun , Yu Rucong , Li Jian 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBy diagnosing the hourly station rain gauge data set for the 1981–1999 periods, it is found that the rainfall diurnal cycle is closely related to its duration during summer (June–August) over the Great Plains [(GP), 100–90°W, 35–45°N]. Short‐duration rainfall events (an event of 1 h in duration) occur more frequently in summer, and they tend to have two diurnal maxima over the GP, with one in the early morning [0400–0600 local solar time, (LST)] and the other in the afternoon (1500–1700 LST). Long‐duration rainfall events (an event that lasts longer than 3 h) contribute more to the precipitation amount, and they tend to peak from the midnight to early morning (000–0600 LST). This contrast in the diurnal cycle of different classifications of precipitation events over the GP reflects the differences in the convective processes at night and during late afternoon. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Altered relative expression of BMPs and BMP inhibitors in cartilaginous areas of human fractures progressing towards nonunion
Authors: Kwong Francois N.K. , Hoyland Judith A. , Freemont Anthony J. , Evans Christopher H. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe present study was conducted to evaluate the hypothesis that an imbalance in the local production of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and BMP inhibitors exists within the cartilaginous intermediate of nonhealing fractures. Biopsies were recovered intraoperatively from human fractures that, upon follow‐up, were found to heal normally or become nonunions. The samples were examined by immunohistochemistry to determine the expression of BMP‐2, BMP‐14, and the BMP inhibitors noggin and chordin. Expression was determined semiquantitatively based on the area of positive staining per area of cartilage and by determining the number of positively staining cells and the intensity of staining. There was a significant reduction in BMP‐2 and BMP‐14 expression in cartilaginous areas of nonhealing fractures compared to healing fractures. However, there was no difference in the expression of the BMP inhibitors between the two groups of fractures. This imbalance in the expression of BMPs and BMP inhibitors within cartilaginous areas of developing nonunions may account for their reduced bone forming ability. These data suggest strategies for preventing the development of nonunions by altering levels of BMPs and their inhibitors within fracture sites. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 752–757, 2009
Self‐concentration effects in preparative SEC of mineral electrolytes using nanoporous neutral polymeric sorbents
Authors: Davankov Vadim , Tsyurupa Maria , Blinnikova Zinaida , Pavlova Lyudmila 
Published: December 2008

AbstractSeparation of mineral electrolytes according to size exclusion mechanism using neutral nanoporous polystyrene sorbents and carbonaceous materials has been examined in detail on hand of HCl and CaCl2 solutions, taken separately and in the mixture. Phase distribution coefficients of the above electrolytes have been measured under static conditions at different concentrations. The k‐values and their dependence on the concentration were correlated with the elution curves of the components from a chromatographic column. Both the static and dynamic data suggest a strong dependence of the hydration number and effective size of ions on the concentration. Self‐concentration of HCl in small pores and that of CaCl2 outside of small pores exhibits itself in both static and chromatographic experiments and results from the relocation of the components largely within the volume of the initial mixture. Additional apparent “retention” of HCl in the porous volume of the sorbent in concentrated electrolyte mixtures was shown to be caused by the competition between all ions of the system for hydration water. Increased separation selectivity and enhanced self‐concentration effects for more concentrated mixtures point to preparative and industrial perspectives of size exclusion chromatography (SEC) of complex electrolyte mixtures on nanoporous neutral sorbents.
Correlations between the Shape of Viscosity Functions and the Molecular Structure of Long‐Chain Branched Polyethylenes
Authors: Stadler Florian J. , Münstedt Helmut 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe viscosity functions of long‐chain branched metallocene‐catalyzed ethene homopolymers and copolymers (LCB‐mPE) were described by an extended Carreau‐Yasuda model. The two characteristic relaxation times, λ1 and λ2, and the slope of the viscosity function between these two characteristic relaxation times can be correlated to the zero shear‐rate viscosity, η0, and the molar mass $\overline M _{\rm w} $. The characteristic relaxation times, λ1 and λ2 (describing the main curvatures of the viscosity function) exhibit a power law dependency on the molar mass, $\overline M _{\rm w} $. The parameterization of the viscosity function can be used for a molecular characterization and flow simulations of various kinds.magnified image
Nineteen‐year follow‐up of Waldenström's‐associated neuropathy and Bing–Neel syndrome
Authors: Leschziner Guy D. , Roncaroli Federico , Moss Jill , Guiloff Roberto J. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWe describe the follow‐up of a patient with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia who developed mild predominantly sensory peripheral neuropathy, Bing–Neel syndrome, and, after 17 years, acute mononeuropathy multiplex associated with increasing paraprotein levels. Nerve biopsy demonstrated deposition of IgM in the endoneurium and perineurium. Magnetic resonance imaging showed extension of the cerebral white‐matter abnormality. We suggest that the pathogenetic mechanism of the mononeuropathy multiplex may include direct IgM deposition. Late peripheral nerve complications appeared to be related to the paraprotein level. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Exercise training–induced gender‐specific heat shock protein adaptations in human skeletal muscle
Authors: Morton James P. , Holloway Kathryn , Woods Paul , Cable Nigel T. , Burniston Jatin , Evans Louise , Kayani Anna C. , McArdle Anne 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis study investigates the effects of short‐term endurance training on heat shock protein (HSP) adaptations of male and female human skeletal muscle. The data demonstrate that females did not respond to continuous or interval training in terms of increasing HSP content of the vastus lateralis muscle. In contrast, males displayed HSP adaptations to both training interventions. These data provide a platform for future human studies to examine a potential gender‐specific stress response to exercise. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Preliminary results of a dose‐finding study for botulinum toxin‐A in patients with idiopathic overactive bladder: 100 versus 150 units
Authors: Cohen Brian L. , Barboglio Paholo , Rodriguez Dinorah , Gousse Angelo E. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAimsTo evaluate the clinical outcomes of two different doses of BTX‐A in patients with I‐OAB.MethodsThis investigator initiated, randomized trial was designed to evaluate clinical differences in outcomes for 100 versus 150 U BTX‐A in patients with I‐OAB. Patients with OAB‐Wet and OAB‐Dry were randomized to receive 100 or 150 U BTX‐A intra‐detrusor injection. For patients with OAB‐Wet, the primary outcome of interest was change in daily UUI episodes, and for those with OAB‐Dry the primary outcome measure was change in number of daily voids as determined by 3‐VD. Statistical comparisons were made both pre‐ and post‐injection and also between different treatment groups to assess the superiority of one dose versus the other.ResultsForty‐four patients enrolled in the study; 10 OAB‐Dry and 12 OAB‐Wet patients received 100 U and another 10 OAB‐Dry and 12 OAB‐Wet patients received 150 U. No significant differences in outcome measure were noted between those receiving 100 versus 150 U. Patients with OAB‐Wet tended to be completely dry more frequently if they received the 150 U dose, but this was not statistically significant. No differences in urodynamics outcomes were noted between the groups. QOL was significantly improved in both groups with no difference between the different doses.ConclusionsIn patients with I‐OAB, preliminary results indicate that 100 U BTX‐A and 150 U BTX‐A are equivalent in terms of symptom reduction and QOL improvement. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:205–208, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Is there a discrepancy between patient and physician quality of life assessment?
Authors: Srikrishna Sushma , Robinson Dudley , Cardozo Linda , Gonzalez Juan 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAimsQuality of Life (QoL) assessment remains integral in the investigation of women with lower urinary tract dysfunction. Previous work suggests that physicians tend to underestimate patients' symptoms and the bother that they cause. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between physician and patient assessed QoL using the Kings Health Questionnaire (KHQ).MethodsPatients complaining of troublesome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were recruited from a tertiary referral urodynamic clinic. Prior to their clinic appointment they were sent a KHQ, which was completed before attending. After taking a detailed urogynecological history, a second KHQ was filled in by the physician, blinded to the patient responses, on the basis of their impression of the symptoms elicited during the interview. These data were analyzed by an independent statistician. Concordance between patient and physician assessment for individual questions was assessed using weighted kappa analysis. QoL scores were compared using Wilcoxons signed rank test.ResultsSeventy‐five patients were recruited over a period of 5 months. Overall, the weighted kappa showed relatively poor concordance between the patient and physician responses; mean kappa: 0.33 (range 0.18–0.57). The physician underestimated QoL score in 4/9 domains by a mean of 5.5% and overestimated QoL score in 5/9 domains by a mean of 6.9%. In particular, physicians underestimated the impact of LUTS on social limitations and emotions (P < 0.05).ConclusionThis study confirms that physicians often differ from patients in the assessment of QoL. This is most likely due to a difference in patient–physician perception of “significant” LUTS and clearly demonstrates the importance of patient evaluated QoL in routine clinical assessment. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:179–182, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expanding the phenotype of multifocal lymphangioendotheliomatosis with thrombocytopenia
Authors: Maronn Mandi , Catrine Kristina , North Paula , Browning Meghen B. , Kerschner Joseph E. , Noel Richard , Drolet Beth A. , Kelly Michael 
Published: December 2008

AbstractMultifocal lymphangioendotheliomatosis with thrombocytopenia is characterized by vascular skin and gastrointestinal (GI) tract lesions, thrombocytopenia, and GI bleeding. The first patient had scattered red macules and subcutaneous nodules on the skin with involvement of the lungs, liver, omentum, and right kidney. At 10 months of age he continues to have severe GI bleeding. The second patient had innumerable vascular plaques on the skin plus muscle, bone, lung, liver, and brain involvement. She died from respiratory failure at 8 months of age due to brainstem involvement. Both patients required aggressive management of GI bleeding, but had quite different skin findings and long‐term outcomes. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:531–534. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Risk factors for hospital readmission within 30 days: A new quality measure for children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Frei‐Jones Melissa J. , Field Joshua J. , DeBaun Michael R. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI) established hospital readmission within 30 days as a benchmark for quality care in children with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Among children with SCD, limited data exists to identify risk factors for readmission and whether they are modifiable.ProcedureWe performed a retrospective cohort study to identify risk factors for readmission. All admissions for children with SCD in a 1‐year period were reviewed; cases were defined as children with SCD readmitted within 30 days after their first admission during the study period and controls, children with SCD who were not readmitted.ResultsWe identified 30 cases and 70 controls. No difference in demographic data was found between groups. The most common admission and readmission diagnosis was pain, 78 and 70%, respectively. The greatest risk factor for readmission was no outpatient hematology follow‐up within 30 days of discharge (OR 7.7, 95% CI 2.4–24.4). A diagnosis of asthma was also a risk factor for readmission (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.2–7.3). Patients who required supplemental oxygen to maintain saturations in the normal range and were on room air for ≤24 hr at discharge were also more likely to be readmitted (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.1–9.7). Multivariate analysis identified lack of outpatient follow‐up and disease severity, defined as ≥3 admissions in the previous 12 months as predictors for readmission (R2 = 0.41).ConclusionsPotentially modifiable risk factors exist to decrease the rate of readmission of children with SCD admitted to the hospital for pain. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:481–485. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Experimental translocation of juvenile water voles in a Scottish lowland metapopulation
Authors: Fisher Diana O. , Lambin Xavier , Yletyinen Sonja M. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPopulation density affects dispersal success because residents can hinder or facilitate immigration into a new site, via a “social fence effect” or “social attraction” (or “conspecific attraction”), respectively. These mechanisms can affect the dynamics of fragmented populations and the success of translocations. However, information on the settlement behaviour of dispersers is rare. We conducted a manipulative field experiment using wild water voles, which exist in metapopulations along waterways in Scotland. We translocated 17 young of dispersal age into either an occupied site or a vacant site containing good habitat, which had recently become extinct due to a feral predator (American mink) moving through. We monitored the movements of translocated voles using radio telemetry. Translocated voles were less likely to settle in occupied sites with higher densities of residents, suggesting a possible social fence effect at high density. There was evidence of a social attraction mechanism, because voles never remained at new sites unless another individual arrived soon after translocation, and they were more likely to settle in occupied or colonised sites than vacant ones. Voles remained in the transient phase of dispersal for many days, and often followed a “stepping stone” trajectory, stopping for several days at successive sites. We suggest that trajectories followed by dispersing water voles, the time scale and long dispersal distances found in this species are conducive to locating conspecifics at low density and colonising vacant habitat. These results are encouraging for prospects of metapopulation persistence and future translocation success.
Perioperative Care of the Patient with Tuberculosis
Authors: Neil Janice A. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTAPPROXIMATELY 1.7 BILLION PEOPLE are thought to be infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The estimated mortality rate is 3 million people per year.MULTIDRUG RESISTANT‐TUBERCULOSIS (MDR‐TB) and extensively drug‐resistant TB (XDR‐TB) are serious problems that threaten global TB control. Patients who are inadequately treated remain chronic carriers and can spread the disease to family members and their communities.TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS for TB include directly observed treatment and monitoring the patient's response to medications. Perioperative nurses must protect the patient and other health care workers when a patient with TB undergoes a surgical procedure. AORN J 88 (December 2008) 942–958. © AORN, Inc, 2008.
The New Afro-Cuban Cultural Movement and the Debate on Race in Contemporary Cuba
Authors: DE LA FUENTE ALEJANDRO 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis paper analyses recent debates on race and racism in Cuba in the context of changing economic and social conditions in the island. Since the early 1990s, and largely in response to the negative effects that the so-called Special Period had on race relations, a group of artists and intellectuals began denouncing the persistence of racist practices and stereotypes in Cuban society. Although they are not organised around a single program or institution, these musicians, visual artists, writers, academics and activists share common grievances about racism and its social effects. It is in this sense that they constitute a new Afro-Cuban cultural movement. It is too early to fully assess the impact of this movement, but these artists and intellectuals have been largely successful in raising awareness about this problem and bringing it to the attention of authorities and the Cuban public.
Enabling Global Collaboration in the Geosciences: Geoinformatics 2008; Potsdam, Germany, 11–13 June 2008
Authors: Klump Jens , Allison Lee , Asch Kristine , Fox Peter , Gundersen Linda , Jackson Ian , Loewe Peter , Snyder Walter S. , Ritschel Bernd 
Published: December 2008

Scientists are facing an increasing flood of data and information in the Earth sciences from which they try to distill knowledge. The emerging discipline of geoinformatics brings together the tools necessary to create and make accessible the knowledge needed to respond to society's complex challenges, such as climate change, new energy and mineral resources, new sources of water, and protecting environmental and human health.Globalization of geoinformatics‐based research and education in support of meeting societal challenges was the theme for the Geoinformatics 2008 conference, which was held at the German Research Centre for Geosciences, in Potsdam, Germany. Participants came from China, France, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, Russia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, representing academic institutions, national research centers, and government agencies.