bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Filter rule performance in an emerging market: evidence from Qatari listed companies
Authors: Almujamed Hesham I. 
Published: December 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the predictability of nine filter rules and test the validity of the weak form of the efficient market hypothesis for the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE).Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts the filter rule strategy employed by Fifieldet al.(2005), which suggests that a buy signal occurs when a share’s price increases by X percent from the previous price. This strategy recommends that the share is held until its price declines by X percent from the subsequent high price. Any price changes below X percent are ignored. Additionally, using the theory of weak-form efficiency, this paper suggests that, if a stock market is efficient, an investor cannot achieve superior results by using these trading rules. However, if market inefficiencies are present, profitable opportunities may arise. To this end, the daily closing share prices of 44 companies listed on QSE are explored for 2004–2017.FindingsThe findings propose that QSE is not weak-form efficient because security prices are predictable. As such, investors who followed filter strategies based on past price information could have made profit. Sectoral analysis findings further suggest that firms in the consumer goods and services, industrial and insurance sectors are most efficiently priced amongst the QSE-traded companies.Practical implicationsThe evidence may be plausibly helpful as supporting market participants and academics that suggest that selecting filter strategy is extremely important for determining the overall profitability of the trading strategy.Originality/valueTo the best of my knowledge, this is the first study on Qatar that examines the performance of filter rules relative to a passive investor in the context of trading rules with individual share prices for a new stock market. Furthermore, this study adds to the literature through the empirical finding that technical analysts using filter strategies could generate excess returns relative to the buy-and-hold strategy on new emerging stock markets. This study also suggests the levels of transparency and accounting disclosure are limited, which may help Qatari policy makers understand the QSE context. Therefore, it might lead them to introduce regulatory changes to improve the QSE’s efficiency level.
Eosinophilic fasciitis associated with myositis: Report of four cases and review of the literature
Authors: Liu Yin , Zeng Yanping , Xie Yanchun , Gao Likun , Chu Hong , Xiao Zheman , Lu Zuneng 
Published: December 2018

AbstractEosinophilic fasciitis is a rare scleroderma‐like syndrome with an unknown aetiology. The characteristics of this disorder include lymphoplasmacytic inflammation involving the subcutaneous fat septa and fascia. Eosinophilic myositis is diagnosed when inflammation extends into the muscles. Here, we describe four patients who developed eosinophilic fasciitis, three of whom developed eosinophilic fasciitis with myositis. Fascial and muscle biopsies were used to confirm the diagnoses. All the patients presented with musculoskeletal symptoms; their electromyographic examinations showed myogenic lesions [short‐duration, low‐amplitude and polyphasic motor unit action potentials (MUPs), so‐called myopathic changes, frequently with abnormal spontaneous activity], in contrast with findings from other reports.
A novel, highly discriminatory risk model predicting acute severe right ventricular failure in patients undergoing continuous‐flow left ventricular assist device implant
Authors: Tchantchaleishvili Vakhtang , Maltais Simon , Sharma Shashank , Haglund Nicholas A. , Davis Mary E. , Cowger Jennifer , Shah Palak , Desai Shashank S. , Aaronson Keith D. , Pagani Francis D. , Dunlay Shannon M. , Stulak John M. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractVarious risk models with differing discriminatory power and predictive accuracy have been used to predict right ventricular failure (RVF) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement. There remains an unmet need for a contemporary risk score for continuous flow (CF)‐LVADs. We sought to independently validate and compare existing risk models in a large cohort of patients and develop a simple, yet highly predictive risk score for acute, severe RVF. Data from the Mechanical Circulatory Support Research Network (MCSRN) registry, consisting of patients who underwent CF‐LVAD implantation, were randomly divided into equal‐sized derivation and validation samples. RVF scores were calculated for the entire sample, and the need for a right ventricular assist device (RVAD) was the primary endpoint. Candidate predictors from the derivation sample were subjected to backward stepwise logistic regression until the model with lowest Akaike information criterion value was identified. A risk score was developed based on the identified variables and their respective regression coefficients. Between May 2004 and September 2014, 734 patients underwent implantation of CF‐LVADs [HeartMate II LVAD, 76% (n = 560), HeartWare HVAD, 24% (n = 174)]. A RVAD was required in 4.5% (n = 33) of the patients [Derivation cohort, n = 15 (4.3%); Validation cohort, n = 18 (5.2%); P = 0.68)]. 19.5% of the patients (n = 143) were female, median age at implant was 59 years (IQR, 49.4–65.3), and median INTERMACS profile was 3 (IQR, 2–3). RVAD was required in 4.5% (n = 33) of the patients. Correlates of acute, severe RVF in the final model included heart rate, albumin, BUN, WBC, cardiac index, and TR severity. Areas under the curves (AUC) for most commonly used risk predictors ranged from 0.61 to 0.78. The AUC for the new model was 0.89 in the derivation and 0.92 in the validation cohort. Proposed risk model provides very high discriminatory power predicting acute severe right ventricular failure and can be reliably applied to patients undergoing placement of contemporary continuous flow left ventricular assist devices.
CBFA2T3‐GLIS2‐positive acute myeloid leukaemia. A peculiar paediatric entity
Authors: Masetti Riccardo , Bertuccio Salvatore N. , Pession Andrea , Locatelli Franco 
Published: December 2018

SummaryThe scenario of paediatric acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), particularly non‐Down syndrome acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia (non‐DS‐AMKL), has been recently revolutionized by the advent of large‐scale, genomic sequencing technologies. In this changing landscape, a significantly relevant discovery has been represented by the identification of the CBFA2T3‐GLIS2 fusion gene, which is the result of a cryptic inversion of chromosome 16. It is the most frequent chimeric oncogene identified to date in non‐DS‐AMKL, although it seems not to be exclusively restricted to the French‐American‐British M7 subgroup. The CBFA2T3‐GLIS2 fusion gene characterizes a subtype of leukaemia that is specific to paediatrics, having never been identified in adults. It characterizes an extremely aggressive leukaemia, as the presence of this fusion is associated with a grim outcome in almost all of the case series reported, with overall survival rates ranging between 15% and 30%. Although the molecular basis that underlies this leukaemia subtype is still far from being completely elucidated, unique functional properties induced by CBFA2T3‐GLIS2 in the leukaemogenesis driving process have been recently identified. We here review the peculiarities of CBFA2T3‐GLIS2‐positive AML, describing its intriguing clinical and biological behaviour and providing some challenging targeting opportunities.
Immediate provisionalization of bone level implants with a hydrophilic surface. A five‐year follow‐up of a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Donos Nikolaos , Horvath Attila , Calciolari Elena , Mardas Nikos 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo follow‐up the radiographic bone level changes and the clinical outcomes of immediately provisionalized and conventionally restored implants with a hydrophilic surface following 5 years of function.Materials and methodsThis was a 5‐year follow‐up of a prospective, randomized, single‐blind controlled study involving 16 of the 24 originally recruited patients in need of a single‐tooth replacement in the esthetic area. Implants were either immediately provisionalized with a non‐occluding temporary crown (test group, n = 7), or left without a crown (control group, n = 9). In both groups, the definitive restoration was placed 16 weeks after implant placement. Radiographic and clinical parameters were evaluated at 36, 48, and 60 months post‐implant placement, together with implant survival and success rates. The esthetic outcomes were measured with the Papilla Fill Index (PFI) and the Pink Esthetic Score (PES).ResultsAt 60 months, similar peri‐implant bone loss was observed in the test (−0.42 mm ±0.17 mm) and in the control (−0.37 mm ±0.35 mm) groups. A tendency for an improved esthetic outcome from implant loading to the subsequent follow‐ups was noticed in both groups. Both groups presented with high levels of long‐term implant survival and success.ConclusionsThis study supports non‐functional immediate provisionalization as a viable long‐term option for the management of single‐tooth implants in the esthetic area. However, the small sample size does not allow statistical inference at 60 months of follow‐up and future adequately powered studies are warranted.
Audience segmentation to improve targeting of conservation interventions for hunters
Authors: Jones Sorrel , Keane Aidan , St John Freya , Vickery Juliet , Papworth Sarah 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAudience segmentation could help improve the effectiveness of conservation interventions. Marketers use audience segmentation to define the target audience of a campaign. The technique involves subdividing a general population into groups that share similar profiles, such as sociodemographic or behavioral characteristics. Interventions are then designed to target the group or groups of interest. We explored the potential of audience segmentation for use in defining conservation target groups with a case study of hunters in Liberia. Using 2 data sets describing households (n = 476) and hunters (n = 205), we applied a clustering method in which infinite binomial mixture models group hunters and households according to livelihood and behavior variables and a simple method to define target groups based on hunting impact (hunting households and high‐impact hunters). Clusters of hunters and households differed in their experiences with confiscation of catch at roadblocks and participation in livelihood‐support programs, indicating that these interventions operate unevenly across subsets of the population. By contrast, the simple method masked these insights because profiles of hunting households and high‐impact hunters were similar to those of the general population. Clustering results could be used to guide the development of livelihood and regulatory interventions. For example, a commonly promoted agricultural activity, cocoa farming, was practiced by only 2% (out of 87) of the largest hunter cluster of nonlocal gun hunters but was prevalent among local trappers, suggesting that assistance aimed at cocoa farmers is less appropriate for the former group. Our results support the use of audience segmentation across multiple variables to improve targeted intervention designs in conservation.
Abundance and species diversity hotspots of tracked marine predators across the North American Arctic
Authors: Yurkowski David J. , Auger‐Méthé Marie , Mallory Mark L. , Wong Sarah N. P. , Gilchrist Grant , Derocher Andrew E. , Richardson Evan , Lunn Nicholas J. , Hussey Nigel E. , Marcoux Marianne , Togunov Ron R. , Fisk Aaron T. , Harwood Lois A. , Dietz Rune , Rosing‐Asvid Aqqalu , Born Erik W. , Mosbech Anders , Fort Jérôme , Grémillet David , Loseto Lisa , Richard Pierre R. , Iacozza John , Jean‐Gagnon Frankie , Brown Tanya M. , Westdal Kristin H. , Orr Jack , LeBlanc Bernard , Hedges Kevin J. , Treble Margaret A. , Kessel Steven T. , Blanchfield Paul J. , Davis Shanti , Maftei Mark , Spencer Nora , McFarlane‐Tranquilla Laura , Montevecchi William A. , Bartzen Blake , Dickson Lynne , Anderson Christine , Ferguson Steven H. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAimClimate change is altering marine ecosystems worldwide and is most pronounced in the Arctic. Economic development is increasing leading to more disturbances and pressures on Arctic wildlife. Identifying areas that support higher levels of predator abundance and biodiversity is important for the implementation of targeted conservation measures across the Arctic.LocationPrimarily Canadian Arctic marine waters but also parts of the United States, Greenland and Russia.MethodsWe compiled the largest data set of existing telemetry data for marine predators in the North American Arctic consisting of 1,283 individuals from 21 species. Data were arranged into four species groups: (a) cetaceans and pinnipeds, (b) polar bears Ursus maritimus (c) seabirds, and (d) fishes to address the following objectives: (a) to identify abundance hotspots for each species group in the summer–autumn and winter–spring; (b) to identify species diversity hotspots across all species groups and extent of overlap with exclusive economic zones; and (c) to perform a gap analysis that assesses amount of overlap between species diversity hotspots with existing protected areas.ResultsAbundance and species diversity hotpots during summer–autumn and winter–spring were identified in Baffin Bay, Davis Strait, Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait, Amundsen Gulf, and the Beaufort, Chukchi and Bering seas both within and across species groups. Abundance and species diversity hotpots occurred within the continental slope in summer–autumn and offshore in areas of moving pack ice in winter–spring. Gap analysis revealed that the current level of conservation protection that overlaps species diversity hotspots is low covering only 5% (77,498 km2) in summer–autumn and 7% (83,202 km2) in winter–spring.Main conclusionsWe identified several areas of potential importance for Arctic marine predators that could provide policymakers with a starting point for conservation measures given the multitude of threats facing the Arctic. These results are relevant to multilevel and multinational governance to protect this vulnerable ecosystem in our rapidly changing world.
Gastrointestinal defects in gallstone and cholecystectomized patients
Authors: Di Ciaula Agostino , Molina‐Molina Emilio , Bonfrate Leonilde , Wang David Q.‐H. , Dumitrascu Dan L. , Portincasa Piero 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackground and aimSeveral gallstone patients complain of dyspeptic symptoms, irrespective of the presence of typical colicky pain. Symptoms often persist after a cholecystectomy. Systematic studies on dyspepsia and dynamic gastrointestinal motor function are missing in gallstone patients with preserved gallbladder or after a cholecystectomy.Materials and methodsForty‐six gallstone patients (age 55 ± 2 years; 15M, 31F) and 24 cholecystectomized patients (age 57 ± 2 years; 6M, 18F) (no difference in type and volume of gallstones between the two groups) were compared against a group of 65 healthy controls (age 51 ± 2 years; 30M, 35F). Dyspepsia occurring in the prior months was assessed by a questionnaire, gastric and gallbladder emptying by functional ultrasonography and orocecal transit time by a hydrogen breath test using a lactulose‐enriched standard liquid meal.ResultsGallstone patients had significantly greater dyspepsia, fasting and residual gallbladder volumes, and slower gallbladder emptying, gastric emptying and small intestinal transit time than controls. In cholecystectomized patients, gastric emptying further delayed, compared to gallstone patients and controls.ConclusionGallstone patients with the gallbladder “in situ” or after a cholecystectomy display dyspeptic symptoms. Symptoms are associated with multiple gastrointestinal motility defects involving the gallbladder, stomach and small intestine. After cholecystectomy, gastric emptying worsens.
Student experiences of two small group learning‐teaching formats: Seminar and fishbowl
Authors: Tricio Jorge , Montt Juan , Orsini Cesar , Gracia Benjamín , Pampin Francisco , Quinteros Camilo , Salas Macarena , Soto Reinaldo , Fuentes Nelson 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIntroductionAs teaching strategies, the seminar and fishbowl approaches promote active learning and shift the focus from the teacher to the learner. The aim of this study was to compare the self‐reported perceptions of each student‐centred teaching technique amongst a group of dental students as well as resultant quiz scores after each teaching technique.Material and MethodsDuring the first semester of 2017, all year‐3 (N = 88) Semiology and year‐5 (N = 71) Oral Surgery students participated in weekly seminars in which teams of students from both cohorts were given an actual clinical case to study; a diagnosis and treatment plan would be rendered, and an oral case presentation would be presented to the rest of the class. In the second semester, the same students tried to solve similar clinical cases using the fishbowl training format. A course coordinator provided final feedback, and the session culminated with a quiz. Students were invited to provide quantitative and qualitative perceptions whilst quiz scores obtained during seminar and fishbowl teaching formats were compared.Results and DiscussionA total of 97 (61%) seminar and 92 (58%) fishbowl students provided insights regarding these teaching techniques. Both cohorts believed the fishbowl format allowed them to be actively involved. However, only year‐3 students gave the fishbowl format a significantly higher score than the seminar format, considering it an attractive format that allowed them to learn. In contrast, year‐5 students believed the seminars met their expectations better than the fishbowl format. Interesting clinical cases as well as the final round of feedback were qualitative themes reported by both cohorts. The mean seminar and fishbowl quiz scores were statistically significant different for year‐3 students (P < 0.0001), but not for year‐5 students (P = 0.09).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that a more structured small‐group learning‐teaching format can be implemented for younger students whilst at the same time allowing more flexible organisation for senior students.
White matter integrity disruption in the pre‐dementia stages of Alzheimer's disease: from subjective memory impairment to amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Shao W. , Li X. , Zhang J. , Yang C. , Tao W. , Zhang S. , Zhang Z. , Peng D. 
Published: December 2018

Background and purposeSubjective memory impairment (SMI) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) are thought to represent the pre‐dementia stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). SMI is considered a more advanced pre‐clinical status prior to aMCI. Understanding the neuromechanism of SMI will have great benefits for monitoring the disease progression of AD. The study aims to explore whether SMI shows alterations of white matter (WM) integrity similar to the patterns of aMCI.MethodsThe atlas‐based analyses were performed to investigate the diffusion changes in the major WM tracts amongst 22 individuals with normal cognition (NC), 22 SMI patients and 25 aMCI patients. The correlations between the altered diffusion metrics and cognitive performance in the SMI and aMCI groups were assessed.ResultsThe diffusion tensor metrics of SMI were intermediate between the NC and aMCI groups. The aMCI group presented disrupted integrity in multiple WM tracts, including the left anterior thalamic radiation, right corticospinal tract and left cingulum of the hippocampus (CgH), compared to the NC group. The left CgH showed diffusion alterations in the SMI group. In the aMCI group, the mean diffusivity of the left CgH was negatively correlated with episodic memory, whilst the radial diffusivity of the right corticospinal tract was negatively correlated with executive function. No significant relationship was found in the SMI group.ConclusionThe study suggested that SMI patients might present detectable WM integrity changes in the left CgH before exhibiting objective cognitive dysfunction, which may provide novel insights into the pathological mechanisms of AD.
Individual‐ and population‐level personalities in a floriphilic katydid
Authors: Tan Ming Kai , Tan Hugh Tiang Wah 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBehaviour, including personality, informs us about the response of animals towards their changing environment. Despite the widespread occurrence of florivorous insects and the important but often underrated ecological roles that they play, the study of florivore behaviour is neglected relative to that of pollinators and other herbivores. Specifically, we do not know how different personality types can develop among florivores and enable them to persist in habitats with an ephemeral and dynamic availability of food resources. To address this knowledge gap, we investigated the following questions: whether the (a) inter‐individual differences of exploration and boldness are consistent; (b) inter‐population differences of exploration and boldness are consistent; (c) exploration and boldness are correlated. We collected individuals of the polyphagous floriphilic katydid, Phaneroptera brevis from four populations from wasteland sites in Singapore and performed a personality assay conducted in an insectary to investigate the exploratory and boldness levels of the individuals and populations. The major novel finding was that the floriphilic P. brevis katydids exhibit population‐level personality types for boldness, but not for exploration. Some katydid individuals were consistently more exploratory and bolder than other individuals. However, contrary to our predictions, we did not find any evidence of behavioural syndromes in the katydid individuals, as the boldness level for individuals was not significantly correlated with exploration for individuals. This suggests that an individual which is more exploratory may not be equally keen to take risks and consume novel food that it encounters. Our findings also suggest that boldness and exploration are linked to ecologically important behaviours, but more studies are needed to better understand population‐level personality and how and why natural selection may favour the evolution of personality in certain populations.