bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Empirical Study on the Lapse Rate: The Cointegration Approach
Authors: Kuo Weiyu , Tsai Chenghsien , Chen Wei‐Kuang 
Published: August 2003

AbstractWe use the cointegration technique to reexamine the contending lapse rate hypotheses: the emergency fund hypothesis and the interest rate hypothesis. We find that the unemployment rate affects the lapse rate in both the long and short run, whereas the interest rate causes variations in the lapse rate mainly in the long run. This evidence seems to be in favor of the emergency fund hypothesis. However, according to the impulse response analysis of the estimated error‐correction model, the interest rate overwhelms the unemployment rate on the overall impact on the dynamics of lapse rate. In other words, the interest rate hypothesis is favored against the emergency fund hypothesis in the sense that the interest rate is more economically significant than the unemployment rate in explaining the lapse rate dynamics.
Mandatory Pensions and the Intensity of Adverse Selection in Life Insurance Markets
Authors: Villeneuve Bertrand 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThis article examines the impact of varying mandatory pensions on saving, life insurance, and annuity markets in an adverse selection economy. Under reasonable restrictions, we find unambiguous effects on market size, participation rates, and equilibrium prices. The degree of adverse selection, whether a market is active or inactive, and social welfare are analyzed.
Drawing Comparative Lessons from France and Germany
Authors: MAZUR AMY G. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThe article reviews the lessons learned from a systematic comparison of the policy cases in France and Germany, presented in the previous articles, for building a theory of feminist policy formation and for the design of effective policy in this new arena of government action. It assesses the relative impact of Europeanization and different contextual factors found in each national setting—gender policy regimes, state–society relations, political party influences, structure of the state, women's movement mobilization, women's policy offices, and the role of women in political office. The analysis concludes the symposium with a reflection upon these findings in terms of our knowledge and under‐standing of feminist policy and the responsiveness of Western postindustrial democracies to demands for social justice and equality.
Community of Choice or Ghetto of Last Resort: Community Development and the Viability of an African American Community1
Authors: GLASER MARK A. , PARKER LEE E. , LI HONG 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThe viability of local government‐sponsored community development of poor ethnic enclaves hinges on the perceptions of residents. If residents view the enclave in which they live as their “community of choice,” they will be more likely to join with local government to coproduce community improvement. Residents who see their enclave as their community of choice tend to hold positive perceptions of neighbors and neighborhood and are less fearful of crime. Conversely, those who see the enclave where they live as a “ghetto of last resort” commonly are not meeting their economic expectations, are uneasy about race related issues, and are concerned about the desirability of their neighborhood. Government should not employ a community development strategy to preserve a “ghetto of last resort” where most residents remain because they feel they have few options. The vast majority of the residents examined here view the enclave where they live as their community of choice.
Rapid prenatal diagnosis of aneuploidies and zygosity in multiple pregnancies by amniocentesis with single insertion of the needle and quantitative fluorescent PCR
Authors: Cirigliano Vincenzo , Cañadas Paz , Plaja Alberto , Ordoñez Elena , Mediano Carmen , Sánchez Angeles , Farrán Inma 
Published: August 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate amniotic fluid (AF) samples retrieved in multiple pregnancies by single insertion of the needle, for rapid assessment of chromosome copy number, zygosity, and cross‐contamination between fetuses, using Quantitative Fluorescent Polymerase Chain Reaction (QF‐PCR) amplification of highly polymorphic microsatellite markers.MethodsFifty‐two multiple pregnancies were selected (47 twins, 5 triplets) and 108 samples of amniotic fluid were sampled between 12 to 20 weeks of gestation (mean 15.5) using the single‐needle technique. Aneuploidy screening by QF‐PCR amplification of short tandem repeats (STRs) on chromosomes X, Y, 21, 13, and 18 was carried out within 24 h of collection. Owing to the sampling procedure, the eventual presence of contamination between fetuses was also evaluated in every case.ResultsNormal and aneuploid fetuses were readily identified by QF‐PCR. Fetal reduction was made available, for trisomic fetuses, without further waiting for completion of fetal karyotyping. In twin gestations, the ultrasound examination of chorionicity was always in agreement with the molecular assessment of zygosity. Contamination between fetuses due to the sampling procedure with a single puncture was never observed.ConclusionRapid prenatal diagnosis of aneuploidies by QF‐PCR is a sensitive, efficient, and reliable assay. When applied in multiple pregnancies, it has the added value of allowing the assessment of zygosity in all cases, independently of chorionicity and fetal sex. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Matrix effects during analysis of plasma samples by electrospray and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry: practical approaches to their elimination
Authors: Schuhmacher Joachim , Zimmer Dieter , Tesche Frank , Pickard Volker 
Published: August 2003

AbstractSome cases of occurrence of matrix effects (mostly ion suppression) in protein‐precipitated plasma samples, and their influence on the validity of plasma concentrations and pharmacokinetic parameters, are discussed. The comparison of matrix effects using either electrospray (TurboIonspray, TISP) or atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) indicated that APCI is less prone to matrix effects. Nevertheless, TISP is usually the first choice of ionization technique since unknown thermally labile metabolites might be present in the plasma samples causing erroneous results. A high impact of ion suppression on the plasma concentrations after intravenous (i.v.) administration was found, depending on the drug formulation (vehicle). Since ion suppression caused significantly lower plasma concentrations (by a factor of up to 5.5) after i.v. dosing, the area under the curve (AUC) was underestimated and the plasma clearance was consequently erroneously high, with an impact on drug candidate selection. By simple stepwise dilution (e.g. 10‐fold and 50‐fold) of the supernatant of protein‐precipitated plasma samples, including all calibration and quality control samples, the matrix effects were recognized and eliminated. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Giant panda enrichment: Meeting everyone' needs
Authors: Hare Valerie J. , Ripsky Dallas , Battershill Rhonda , Bacon Kim , Hawk Kathy , Swaisgood Ronald R. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractIn recent years, research in a variety of species has demonstrated that environmental enrichment can be an effective tool to promote animal welfare, enhance captive reproduction efforts, and elicit species‐appropriate behaviors that might otherwise not be observed in captivity. The San Diego Zoo is participating in an ongoing comprehensive enrichment plan for its three giant pandas. In February 1998, Panda Team members identified specific goals for each adult panda, and began developing an enrichment plan to meet those goals. All three giant pandas are provided with opportunities to explore their environment and exercise their physical and mental abilities. Behavioral data are routinely collected to assess the effectiveness of the strategies in use. However, meeting the needs of the giant pandas is just the beginning of creating an effective, long‐term enrichment plan. The plan must also consider staff time and effort, institutional requirements, resource availability, visitors' experiences, and research protocols. This paper describes the San Diego Zoo's Giant Panda Enrichment Plan, including the goals set for each panda; the specific enrichment items offered, and their effectiveness; and the mechanisms employed to address limitations due to staff, visitor, institutional, and research needs. The authors discuss the process of developing and maintaining this enrichment plan, and explore potential problems and their solutions, with the specific intention of providing guidelines for other institutions interested in creating an enrichment plan for giant pandas. Zoo Biol 22:401–416, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Labelled Graphical Models
Authors: Corander Jukka 
Published: August 2003

AbstractA class of log‐linear models, referred to as labelled graphical models (LGMs), is introduced for multinomial distributions. These models generalize graphical models (GMs) by employing partial conditional independence restrictions which are valid only in subsets of an outcome space. Theoretical results concerning model identifiability, decomposability and estimation are derived. A decision theoretical framework and a search algorithm for the identification of plausible models are described. Real data sets are used to illustrate that LGMs may provide a simpler interpretation of a dependence structure than GMs.
Asset Allocation and the Liquidity Premium for Illiquid Annuities
Authors: Browne S. , Milevsky M. A. , Salisbury T. S. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractAcademics and practitioners alike have developed numerous techniques for benchmarking investment returns to properly adjust seemingly high numbers for excessive levels of risk. The same, however, cannot be said for liquidity, or the lack thereof. This article develops a model for analyzing the ex ante liquidity premium demanded by the holder of an illiquid annuity. The annuity is an insurance product that is akin to a pension savings account with both an accumulation and decumulation phase. We compute the yield (spread) needed to compensate for the utility welfare loss, which is induced by the inability to rebalance and maintain an optimal portfolio when holding an annuity. Our analysis goes beyond the current literature, by focusing on the interaction between time horizon (both deterministic and stochastic), risk aversion, and preexisting portfolio holdings. More specifically, we derive a negative relationship between a greater level of individual risk aversion and the demanded liquidity premium. We also confirm that, ceteris paribus, the required liquidity premium is an increasing function of the holding period restriction, the subjective return from the market, and is quite sensitive to the individual's endowed (preexisting) portfolio.
Histological evaluations following 1,064‐nm Nd:YAG laser resurfacing
Authors: Dayan Steven , Damrose John F. , Bhattacharyya Tapan K. , Mobley Steven Ross , Patel Minu K. , O'Grady Kevin , Mandrea Steven 
Published: August 2003

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe long pulse 1,064‐nm Nd:YAG laser is used clinically to decrease rhytid formation. The dermal level at which this change occurs has not been established. This study attempts to answer these questions using a porcine skin model.Study Design/Materials and MethodsNon‐randomized prospective experimental trial involving the domestic piglet treated serially with the long pulse 1,064‐nm Nd:YAG laser.ResultsCollagen formation occurred at the level of the reticular dermis. After one laser treatment, a significant level of collagen formation was induced in the reticular dermis compared to controls. The greatest gain was observed after four laser treatments. Energy levels of 20, 30, 40, and 50 J/cm2 were evaluated. Although not statistically significant, 30 J/cm2 had the greatest effect on collagen formation. However, at 50 J/cm2, marked ablative changes to the epidermis were observed.ConclusionsThe long pulse 1,064‐nm Nd:YAG laser induces collagen formation in the reticular dermis in porcine skin. Lasers Surg. Med. 33:126–131, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ablation of composite resins using Er:YAG laser—comparison with enamel and dentin
Authors: Lizarelli Rosane de F.Z. , Moriyama Lilian T. , Bagnato Vanderlei S. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of this work is to investigate comparative ablation rate between composite resins and dental hard tissues (enamel and dentin) after Er:YAG laser irradiation to verify possible development of an ultra‐conservative dentistry to with minimum effect for the teeth tissue.MethodsWe have used 11 extracted or exfoliated primary anterior and posterior teeth and six extracted permanent molar teeth. Three different types of composite resin were chosen (microfiller, hybrid, and condensable) in terms of chemical and structural composition. Composite tablets and the teeth were irradiated with a Er:YAG laser at different laser beam energy level per pulse (100, 200, 300, and 400 mJ). Diameter and depth of each resulted microcavity were measured and the material removed volumes were calculated. The resulted values were plotted and fitted to allow a comparative observation of the material removed as a function of energy level per pulse.ResultsWhile the idea of ultra‐conservative dentistry seems to apply well for enamel of primary and permanent teeth, at the present stage it does not apply well for primary or permanent dentin. For dentin, the composition and content of water makes the Er:YAG laser ablation equal or superior in rate compared with the three used resins.SignificanceThis work presents of a comparative study of Er:YAG laser ablation, allowing to analyze the possible selective ablation between composite resin placed and cured and dental hard tissues, with the goal to propose a new clinical technique: differential ablation for composite resin restorations using Er:YAG laser. Lasers Surg. Med. 33:132–139, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brain ablation in the rat cerebral cortex using a tunable‐free electron laser
Authors: Ovelmen‐Levitt Janice , Straub Karl D. , Hauger Suzanne , Szarmes Eric , Madey John , Pearlstein Robert D. , Nashold Blaine S. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesWe used the MARK III free electron laser (FEL) tuned to molecular vibrational absorbance maxima in the infrared (IR) wavelength range of 3.0–6.45 μm to study the effect of these various wavelengths and a power level of 5 mJ/2 microseconds macropulse on photoablation of CNS tissue.Study Design/Materials and MethodsLaser lesions were produced in the parietal cortex of anesthetized rats using thermal confined mid‐IR (infrared) laser pulses tuned to the ‐OH, ‐CH, amide 1, and amide 2 absorbance bands. Histological assessments following recovery periods of 4 hours, 4 days, and 3 weeks were performed to determine the size, shape, and character of the photoablative lesions. Cell density studies were done in adjacent edematous tissue.ResultsSignificant differences in lesion size and shape were observed as a function of wavelength. Although maximum ablation and collateral damage seemed to coincide with spectral peaks in the mid‐IR, area and depth/width ratios did not.ConclusionsIt was found in these experiments that wavelengths in the mid‐IR could be selected for optimal ablative properties. Using tunable, high‐peak‐power pulsed lasers, it will be possible to produce well‐defined photoablative lesions that conform to small, irregularly shaped neurosurgical targets. Lasers Surg. Med. 33:81–92, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimization of the Erbium:YAG laser for precise incision of ureteral and urethral tissues: In vitro and in vivo results
Authors: Fried Nathaniel M. , Tesfaye Zelalem , Ong Albert M. , Rha Koon H. , Hejazi Pooya 
Published: August 2003

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesTissue damage during endoscopic treatment of urethral and ureteral strictures may result in stricture recurrence. The Erbium:YAG laser ablates soft tissues with minimal peripheral damage and may be a promising alternative to cold knife and Holmium:YAG laser for precise incision of urological strictures.Study Design/Materials and MethodsOptimization of the Er:YAG laser was conducted using ex vivo porcine ureteral and canine urethral tissues. Preliminary in vivo studies were also performed in a laparoscopic porcine ureteral model with exposed ureter. Laser radiation with a wavelength of 2.94 μm, pulse lengths of 8, 70, and 220 micro seconds, output energies of 2–35 mJ, fluences of 1–25 J/cm2, and pulse repetition rates of 5–30 Hz, was delivered through 250‐μm and 425‐μm core germanium oxide optical fibers in direct contact with tissue.ResultsEx vivo perforation thresholds measured 2–4 J/cm2, with ablation rates of 50 μm/pulse at fluences of 6–11 J/cm2. In vivo perforation thresholds were approximately 1.8 J/cm2, with the ureter perforated in less than 20 pulses at fluences greater than 3.6 J/cm2. Peripheral thermal damage in tissue decreased from 30 to 60 μm to 10–20 μm as the laser pulse length decreased from 220 to 8 microseconds. Mechanical tissue damage was observed at the 8 microseconds pulse duration.ConclusionsThe Er:YAG laser, operating at a pulse duration of ∼70 microseconds, a fluence greater than ∼4 J/cm2, and a repetition rate less than 20 Hz, is capable of rapidly incising urethral and ureteral tissues with minimal thermal and mechanical side‐effects. Lasers Surg. Med. 33:108–114, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Applying a test system for discriminating fetal from maternal cells
Authors: Bayrak‐Toydemir Pınar , Pergament Eugene , Fiddler Morris 
Published: August 2003

AbstractObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to enhance and apply a simple system capable of testing the capacity of putative, gender‐independent fetal cell markers, individually and in combination, to discriminate between fetal and maternal cells.MethodsChorionic villi tissue obtained from 25 male pregnancies at 10 to 12 weeks' gestation served as the experimental group. Following removal of villi pieces for clinical use, unattached cells were collected by centrifugation of the CVS fluid, fixed in the tube, and used as a source of mixed fetal and maternal cells. Blood obtained from a fetus at 13 weeks' gestation served as a positive control. Peripheral blood from two adult males served as negative controls. Antibodies to three possible fetal markers were tested using immunohistochemical techniques: anti‐Flk‐1, anti‐epsilon globin, and anti‐CD71. Each antibody was used alone and in combination in conjunction with fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) of X and Y chromosomes to confirm that positively stained cells were in fact fetal in origin.ResultsOn CVS samples, the average predictive value for anti‐Flk‐1 was 35.8%, 76.2% for anti‐CD71, and 90.5% for anti‐epsilon. The combination of anti‐epsilon and anti‐CD71 antibodies identifying a fetal cell was 87.2% and the combined use of single and double antibodies gave a value of 82.7%. The combination of anti‐epsilon globin and anti‐CD71 increased the sensitivity of identifying pure fetal blood cells from 63%, for anti‐epsilon alone, and 67%, for anti‐CD71 alone, to 86%.ConclusionAlthough anti‐Flk‐1 has been reported to be a successful marker of fetal cells, the results in this test system did not support this finding. This work supports the use of CVS washings containing both fetal and maternal cells as a viable test system for assessing antigenic markers. The combination of anti‐CD71 and anti‐epsilon as fetal identifiers may increase the chances of identifying a fetal cell without compromising the predictive value. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal presentation of cervical congenital neuroblastoma
Authors: Gorincour G. , Dugougeat‐Pilleul F. , Bouvier R. , Lorthois‐Ninou S. , Devonec S. , Gaucherand P. , Pracros J. P. , Guibaud L. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo describe a cervical neuroblastoma revealed in the prenatal period.MethodWe were recently confronted with a case of fetal solid neck mass suggestive of teratoma, which proved postnatally to be a neuroblastoma. Combining this case with a review of recent literature, we have evaluated the diagnostic tools required for increased precision in the prenatal diagnosis and perinatal management of fetal solid neck masses.ResultsDetailed ultrasound and MRI of fetal neck and liver, in conjunction with amniocentesis for measurement of homovanillic acid levels, should enable fetal medical practitioners to consider the diagnosis of fetal cervical neuroblastoma.ConclusionFetal cervical neuroblastoma is an extremely rare condition that has not been previously reported, but should be considered in the presentation of fetal solid neck masses. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A theoretical approach to the regioselectivity in 1,3‐dipolar cycloadditions of diazoalkanes, hydrazoic acid and nitrous oxide to acetylenes, phosphaalkynes and cyanides
Authors: Nguyen Loc Thanh , Proft Frank De , Dao Van Luong , Nguyen Minh Tho , Geerlings Paul 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThe 1,3‐dipolar cycloadditions of diazoalkanes (R2CNN), hydrazoic acid (HNNN) and nitrous oxide (N2O) to some simple dipolarophiles such as acetylenes, phosphaalkynes and cyanides were studied using quantum chemical calculations at the B3LYP/6–311++G(d,p) level and, in the simplest case, using also the CCSD(T) method. Along with frontier molecular orbital coefficients, the local softness being a DFT‐based reactivity criterion is established as a useful tool to predict the regioselectivity in these cycloaddition reactions. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Converting the role of LiClO4 from salting‐in to salting‐out in Diels–Alder reactions by solvent manipulation
Authors: Deshpande Suvarna S. , Pawar Sanjay S. , Phalgune Usha , Kumar Anil 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThe low yield of endo products of a Diels–Alder reaction in aqueous LiClO4 can be enhanced by using a simple solvent manipulation. This report on the use of salt solutions opens up the possibility of creating effective conditions for Diels–Alder reactions. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new solution for an old problem: the regiochemical distribution of the acyl chains in galactolipids can be established by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Guella Graziano , Frassanito Rita , Mancini Ines 
Published: August 2003

AbstractElectrospray ionization‐quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry (ESI‐QITMS), either in positive‐ or in negative‐ion mode, has been used to establish the chemical structures (chain length, degree of unsaturation, positional distribution) of the fatty acids attached to the primary (sn‐1) and secondary (sn‐2) hydroxyl groups of the glycerol moiety of natural monogalactosyl‐ (MGDG) and digalactosyldiacylglycerols (DGDG), isolated from the freshwater dinoflagellate Glenodinium sanguineum and from a marine diatom belonging to the genus Chaetoceros. Fragmentation by collision‐induced dissociation of a single component in MGDG and DGDG mixtures, separated by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and detected on‐line by tandem positive‐ion ESI‐MS, leads to a clear‐cut determination of the positional distribution of the sn‐glycerol‐bound fatty acyl chains. Reversed‐phase liquid chromatography allowed a partial resolution of the component mixture before ESI‐MS/MS analysis. These results were validated by comparison with ESI‐MS data obtained for the sn‐2 lysoglyceroglycolipids synthesized via regiospecific enzymatic hydrolysis of the corresponding diacylglycerols by Rhizopus arrhizus lipase. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.