bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How are analysts’ forecasts affected by high uncertainty?
Authors: Amiram Dan , Landsman Wayne R. , Owens Edward L. , Stubben Stephen R. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis study examines whether key characteristics of analysts’ forecasts—timeliness, accuracy, and informativeness—change when investor demand for information is likely to be especially high, i.e., during periods of high uncertainty. Findings reveal that when uncertainty is high, analysts’ forecasts are more timely but less accurate. However, analysts’ forecasts are also more informative to the market, which is consistent with investors’ demand for timely information, even if it is less accurate. We observe these findings when market prices are increasing and decreasing, consistent with the findings resulting from uncertainty in general rather than just uncertainty associated with market declines. We also examine how timeliness, accuracy, and informativeness change in response to elevated levels of three sources of uncertainty—market, industry, and firm level. We predict and find that analysts are better able to deal with heightened industry uncertainty, as reflected by greater timeliness with no loss in forecast accuracy. In contrast, analysts have greater difficulty dealing with heightened market uncertainty, as both timeliness and forecast accuracy decline.
Efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in combination with conventional antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection: a meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Kim H.‐B. , Myung S.‐K. , Lee Y.‐J. , Park B.‐J. ,   the Korean Meta‐Analysis (KORMA) Study Group
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundAlthough a contributory role of vitamin D levels for the development of chronic hepatitis C has been suggested, the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in combination with conventional antiviral therapy consisting of pegylated interferon‐α (Peg‐IFN‐α) injection and oral ribavirin (RBV) remains unclear. We investigated its efficacy in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C via a meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials.MethodsWe searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov and the bibliographies of relevant articles to locate additional publications in September 2016. Three evaluators independently reviewed and selected eligible studies based on predetermined selection criteria.ResultsOf 522 articles meeting our initial criteria, a total of seven open‐label, randomised controlled trials involving 548 participants, were included in the final analysis. Vitamin D supplementation in combination with Peg‐IFN‐α injection and oral RBV significantly increased the rate of viral response for hepatitis C at 24 weeks after treatment in a random‐effects meta‐analysis (relative risk = 1.30; 95% confidence interval = 1.04–1.62; I2 = 75.9%). Also, its significant efficacy was observed in patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1, which is known to be refractory to antiviral therapy.ConclusionsIn summary, we observed that additional use of vitamin D has a positive effect on sustained viral response rates of patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. However, we cannot establish the efficacy because of substantial heterogeneity, a small sample size and a low methodological quality.
Markers for Guillain‐Barré syndrome with poor prognosis: a multi‐center study
Authors: Yamagishi Yuko , Suzuki Hidekazu , Sonoo Masahiro , Kuwabara Satoshi , Yokota Takanori , Nomura Kyoichi , Chiba Atsuro , Kaji Ryuji , Kanda Takashi , Kaida Kenichi , Ikeda Shu‐ichi , Mutoh Tatsuro , Yamasaki Ryo , Takashima Hiroshi , Matsui Makoto , Nishiyama Kazutoshi , Sobue Gen , Kusunoki Susumu 
Published: August 2017

AbstractGuillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute monophasic neuropathy. Prognostic tools include the modified Erasmus GBS outcome score (mEGOS), Erasmus GBS respiratory insufficiency score (EGRIS), and the increase in serum IgG levels (ΔIgG) 2 weeks after intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment. Given that proportions of GBS subtypes differ between Western countries and Japan, the usefulness of these tools in Japan or other countries remains unknown. We enrolled 177 Japanese patients with GBS from 15 university hospitals and retrospectively obtained mEGOS and EGRIS for all and ΔIgG status for 79 of them. High mEGOS scores on admission or on day 7 were significantly associated with poorer outcomes (unable to walk independently at 6 months). High EGRIS scores (≥5 points) were associated with an increased risk for mechanical ventilation. Patients with ΔIgG <1,108 mg/dl had significantly poorer outcomes. We suggest that mEGOS, EGRIS, and ΔIgG in GBS are clinically relevant in Japan.
Maternal smoking during pregnancy and offspring personality in childhood and adulthood
Authors: Sutin Angelina R. , Flynn Heather A. , Terracciano Antonio 
Published: August 2017

AbstractObjectiveMaternal smoking during pregnancy (MSDP) has been associated with offspring internalizing and externalizing disorders. The purpose of this research is to examine whether MSDP is also associated with variations in normal personality traits in childhood and adulthood.MethodThis study uses four independent samples (total N = 16,323) to examine whether there are mean‐level differences in offspring personality traits by MSDP, controlling for relevant sociodemographic factors. Two samples are of children (Ns = 3,782 and 3,841) and two samples are of adults (Ns = 1,786 and 6,914).ResultsA meta‐analysis across the four samples indicated that offspring of mothers who did smoke during pregnancy scored higher in Neuroticism (p = .000) and Extraversion (p = .003) and lower in Conscientiousness (p = .002) than offspring of mothers who did not smoke during pregnancy. The association between MSDP and Neuroticism and Conscientiousness held across both childhood and adulthood and when propensity score matching was used, whereas the association with Extraversion was only apparent in adulthood and did not hold with propensity scores.ConclusionsThese results suggest that MSDP is associated with individual differences in psychological traits in childhood and adulthood and may be one prenatal factor that contributes to trait Neuroticism and Conscientiousness.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of two caries prevention methods in the first permanent molar in children
Authors: Khouja Tumader , Smith Kenneth J. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundEvidence supports two methods for preventing dental caries lesions in children: pit and fissure sealants (PFS) and fluoride varnishes (FV). The aim of this study was to compare the cost‐effectiveness of these two strategies in preventing dental caries lesions on the occlusal surface of the first permanent molar in children.MethodsA Markov model was used to simulate the progression of dental caries on the occlusal surface of the first permanent molar in a hypothetical cohort of children over a 9‐year period. Transition probabilities were extracted from the published literature and costs were calculated from a payer's perspective. Two scenarios were evaluated based on the probability of replacing a failed PFS. Sensitivity analysis was performed to test the robustness of the model.ResultsOver the 9‐year study period PFS were less expensive and more effective than FV in preventing occlusal dental caries lesions. For the base case scenario the probability of replacing a failed PFS was 100 percent and the Incremental Cost‐Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) for PFS was $156.87 per first episode of caries lesion averted. For the second scenario, the probability of replacing a failed PFS was lowered to 50 percent. Here, the ICER dropped to $113.00 per first episode of caries lesion averted and remained the dominant strategy.ConclusionPFS should be the preferred method for the prevention of dental caries lesion on the occlusal surface of the first permanent molar, especially in children who are at high risk and have barriers of access to dental care.
Marginal distribution and high heterozygosity of asexual Caloglossa vieillardii (Delesseriaceae, Rhodophyta) along the Australian coasts
Authors: Kamiya Mitsunobu , Saba Erika , West John A. 
Published: August 2017

In animals and land plants, many asexual species originate through inter‐ or intraspecific crosses, and such heterozygous asexuals frequently are more abundant than their sexual relatives in marginal habitats. Although asexual species have been reported in various macroalgal taxa, detailed information regarding their distribution, heterozygosity, and origin is limited. Because many asexual tetrasporophyte strains of Caloglossa vieillardii have been isolated from South Australia, far from their core tropical habitats, we re‐examined the distribution range of asexual C. vieillardii and genotyped these and other western Pacific strains using an actin gene marker. We confirmed the marginal distribution of the asexuals; however, a small patch of sexual thalli was newly discovered 450 km further west from asexual populations in South Australia. Three heterozygous genotypes and one homozygous genotypes were detected from nine asexual populations; 21 heterozygous strains were obligately asexual, but one homozygous strain suddenly produced sexual gametophytes after several years of culture. We hypothesized that the most abundant heterozygous genotype (defined as type 3/4) in asexual populations occurred by a cross between type 3 and type 4 allele gametophytes, both of which were isolated from the Australian coasts. In the crossing experiments, certain combinations between type 3 females and type 4 males produced tetrasporophytes, which recycled successive tetrasporophytes. In the culture experiments, whereas both sexual and asexual strains successfully produced tetraspores at 12°C, no sexual strains released carpospores below 14°C. However, it is uncertain whether this slight difference of maturation temperature was related to the marginal distribution of asexual C. vieillardii.
Molecular Cloning and Characterization of a Putative Ecdysis‐triggering Hormone Receptor (ETHR) Gene from Macrobrachium nipponense
Authors: Liang Guo‐Xia , Fu Hong‐Tuo , Qiao Hui , Sun Sheng‐Ming , Zhang Wen‐Yi , Jin Shu‐Bo , Gong Yong‐Sheng , Jiang Su‐Fei , Xiong Yi‐Wei , Wu Yan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractEcdysis‐triggering hormone receptor (ETHR) is a G protein‐coupled receptor that plays crucial physiological roles in arthropod molting. In this study, the full‐length complementary DNA of a putative ETHR gene of Macrobrachium nipponense (ETHR) was cloned and its expression examined. The transcript encoded 390 amino acids, including seven transmembrane domains and specific functional sites that are highly conserved among arthropod species. ETHR expression was examined in 10 different tissue types and was most highly expressed in brain tissue, indicating that the brain is the major functional site of ETHR activity. ETHR displayed relatively low expression levels during early embryonic development (cleavage, blastula, and gastrula stages) and then gradually increased from the nauplius stage, with a significant increase in the zoea stage. ETHR levels significantly increased in the brain and epidermis during the premolt stage. Eyestalk ablation induced significant upregulation of ETHR expression after 3 d. Downregulation of ETHR expression by double‐stranded RNA‐mediated RNA interference reduced the molting frequency of M. nipponense to almost half of that in the control group. This study suggests that the putative ETHR plays an important role in facilitating the molting process in M. nipponense.
The optimal method for pricing Bermudan options by simulation
Authors: Ibáñez Alfredo , Velasco Carlos 
Published: August 2017

AbstractLeast‐squares methods enable us to price Bermudan‐style options by Monte Carlo simulation. They are based on estimating the option continuation value by least‐squares. We show that the Bermudan price is maximized when this continuation value is estimated near the exercise boundary, which is equivalent to implicitly estimating the optimal exercise boundary by using the value‐matching condition. Localization is the key difference with respect to global regression methods, but is fundamental for optimal exercise decisions and requires estimation of the continuation value by iterating local least‐squares (because we estimate and localize the exercise boundary at the same time). In the numerical example, in agreement with this optimality, the new prices or lower bounds (i) improve upon the prices reported by other methods and (ii) are very close to the associated dual upper bounds. We also study the method's convergence.
Consistent recalibration of yield curve models
Authors: Harms Philipp , Stefanovits David , Teichmann Josef , Wüthrich Mario V. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe analytical tractability of affine (short rate) models, such as the Vasiček and the Cox–Ingersoll–Ross (CIR) models, has made them a popular choice for modeling the dynamics of interest rates. However, in order to properly account for the dynamics of real data, these models must exhibit time‐dependent or even stochastic parameters. This breaks their tractability, and modeling and simulating become an arduous task. We introduce a new class of Heath–Jarrow–Morton (HJM) models that both fit the dynamics of real market data and remain tractable. We call these models consistent recalibration (CRC) models. CRC models appear as limits of concatenations of forward rate increments, each belonging to a Hull–White extended affine factor model with possibly different parameters. That is, we construct HJM models from “tangent” affine models. We develop a theory for continuous path versions of such models and discuss their numerical implementations within the Vasiček and CIR frameworks.
Behçet Kemal Çağlar's Kur’ân‐ı Kerîm'den İlhamlar (Inspirations from the Holy Qur’ān): A Kemalist's Personal, Poetic Response to the Qur’ān
Authors: Alhassen Leyla Ozgur 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBehçet Kemal Çağlar, 1908–1969, is the author of a commentary of the Qur’ān, Kur’ân‐ı Kerîm'den İlhamlar (‘Inspirations from the Holy Qur’ān’), published in 1966. This work can be described as a poetic reflection on the Qur’ān. It does not adhere to rendering every line or verse, but instead insists on maintaining a rhythmic cadence and end‐rhyme. Although it resembles a translation in some ways, Çağlar refuses to call his work a translation. This paper begins by introducing Çağlar and his text, a brief history of Turkish translations of the Qur’ān, then Çağlar's approach is contrasted with the aims of translators of the Qur’ān. Çağlar's text is studied in more detail, providing a sample of the Turkish text and a translation of it into English, focusing on Çağlar's reflection on Sūrat Ṭaha. Through this study, it becomes clear that as a result of his prioritizing the literary aspects of the Qur’ān in his reflection, Çağlar's book has an advantage over literal translations of the Qur'an and it can be useful for Qur’ān translation. At the same time, Çağlar's book is a reflection of a desire to develop a Turkish Islam—a manifestation of Islam that came from Turkey, that reflected its language and culture and that was intelligible to its people.
Effects of remifentanil on esophageal and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) bolus transit in healthy volunteers using novel pressure‐flow analysis
Authors: Cock C. , Doeltgen S. H. , Omari T. , Savilampi J. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundRemifentanil is associated with subjective dysphagia and an objective increase in aspiration risk. Studies of opioid effects have shown decreased lower esophageal sphincter relaxation. We assessed bolus transit through the esophagus and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) during remifentanil administration using objective pressure‐flow analysis.MethodsData from 11 healthy young participants (23±3 years, 7 M) were assessed for bolus flow through the esophagus and EGJ using high‐resolution impedance manometry (Manoscan™, Sierra Scientific Instruments, Inc., LES Angeles, CA, USA) with 36 pressure and 18 impedance segments. Data were analyzed for esophageal pressure topography and pressure‐flow analysis using custom Matlab analyses (Mathworks, Natick, USA). Paired t tests were performed with a P‐value of < .05 regarded as significant.Key ResultsDuration of bolus flow through (remifentanil/R 3.0±0.3 vs baseline/B 5.0 ± 0.4 seconds; P < .001) and presence at the EGJ (R 5.1 ± 0.5 vs B 7.1 ± 0.5 seconds; P = .001) both decreased during remifentanil administration. Distal latency (R 5.2 ± 0.4 vs B 7.5 ± 0.2 seconds; P < .001) and distal esophageal distension‐contraction latency (R 3.5 ± 0.1 vs B 4.7 ± 0.2 seconds; P < .001) were both reduced. Intrabolus pressures were increased in both the proximal (R 5.3 ± 0.9 vs B 2.6 ± 1.3 mm Hg; P = .01) and distal esophagus (R 8.6 ± 1.7 vs B 3.1 ± 0.8 mm Hg; P = .001). There was no evidence of increased esophageal bolus residue.Conclusions and InferencesRemifentanil‐induced effects were different for proximal and distal esophagus, with a reduced time for trans‐sphincteric bolus flow at the EGJ, suggestive of central and peripheral μ‐opioid agonism. There were no functional consequences in healthy subjects.
Cares, Identification, and Agency Reductionism
Authors: Franklin Christopher Evan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractReductionists about agency maintain that an agent's causing something is reducible to states and events involving the agent causing something. Some worry that reductionism cannot accommodate robust forms of agency, such as self‐determination. One reductionist answer to this worry, which I call ‘identification reductionism,’ contends that self‐governing agents are identified with certain attitudes, and so these attitudes causing a decision count as the agent'sself‐determining the decision. I argue that a prominent species of identification reductionism developed by Harry Frankfurt, Agnieszka Jaworska, Jeffrey Seidman, and David Shoemaker – according to which an agent is identified with his (deepest) cares – is inadequate.
Use of a commercial qPCR assay in 52 high risk shelter cats for disease identification of dermatophytosis and mycological cure
Authors: Moriello Karen A. , Leutenegger Christian M. 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundqPCR is used to test for dermatophytosis.ObjectivesTo determine the clinical usefulness of a commercial qPCR for confirming dermatophytosis in lesional cats, and the clinical usefulness of the qPCR Microsporum spp. and/or M. canis assay for confirming mycological cure.AnimalsFifty two shelter cats with skin lesions.MethodsqPCR testing of toothbrush fungal culture samples of lesions.ResultsqPCR and fungal culture (FC) matched in 49 of 52 cats. The qPCR correctly identified 45 of 46 and two of four cats with M. canis and Trichophyton spp. infections, respectively. qPCR correctly identified two cats as not infected. No evidence of cross reactivity was noted. The Microsporum spp. qPCR assay was positive in 45 of 46 (97.8%) of infected cats. Results were positive on both Microsporum spp. and M. canis assays in 29 of 45 cats. No cat had a positive qPCR result for M. canis alone. Mycological cure was defined as two negative fungal cultures. There were 92 negative FC from the 46 treated cats and qPCR assay for Microsporum spp. and M. canis was negative in 68 of 92 (73.1%) and 79 of 92 (85.9%) samples, respectively. The number of cats correctly identified with mycological cure via qPCR was 30 of 46 (65.2%) and 39 of 46 (84.8%) cats for the Microsporum spp. and M. canis assays, respectively.Conclusions and clinical importanceThe commercial qPCR assay was a reliable test for confirming disease. The qPCR Microsporum spp. assay was more useful for initial disease confirmation; while the qPCR M. canis assay was more useful for determining mycological cure.
Blood donor show behaviour after an invitation to donate: The influence of collection site factors
Authors: Merz E.‐M. , Zijlstra B. J. H. , de Kort W. L. A. M. 
Published: August 2017

Background and ObjectivesShow behaviour after invitation to donate varies considerably across donors. More insight into this variation is important for blood banks in achieving stable stocks. This study examined individual factors determining intended show behaviour. Most importantly, however, this study is the first study to account for variation in donor behaviour across different collection sites.Materials and MethodsWe applied a multilevel approach to data from Donor InSight, including 11 889 donors from 257 fixed and mobile collection sites in the Netherlands. The aim of the multilevel models was to account for variance at two levels, that is donors and collection sites. We estimated the likelihood of showing after invitation based on individual predictors, including demographics, donation history and attitude. At the collection site level, we included satisfaction with the blood bank aggregated from individual responses by donors who donate at this site, opening hours and collection site type, that is fixed/mobile.ResultsMost importantly, show behaviour varied considerably across collection sites and depended on characteristics of these sites. Moreover, women, older and more experienced donors had higher odds of showing after invitation than men, younger and less experienced donors. Donors higher on warm glow, self‐efficacy and donor identity more likely showed after an invitation. Higher aggregate satisfaction and donating at fixed collection sites increased the odds of show.ConclusionIn addition to individual factors, collection site characteristics are important in explaining variation in donor show behaviour, thus presenting clues for blood bank policies and interventions to improve donor show.
The antioxidant capacity of erythrocyte concentrates is increased during the first week of storage and correlated with the uric acid level
Authors: Bardyn M. , Maye S. , Lesch A. , Delobel J. , Tissot J.‐D. , Cortés‐Salazar F. , Tacchini P. , Lion N. , Girault H. H. , Prudent M. 
Published: August 2017

Background and ObjectivesRed blood cells (RBCs) suffer from lesions during cold storage, depending in part on their ability to counterbalance oxidative stress by activating their antioxidant defence. The aim of this study was to monitor the antioxidant power (AOP) in erythrocyte concentrates (ECs) during cold storage.Materials and MethodsSix ECs were prepared in saline‐adenine‐glucose‐mannitol (SAGM) additive solution and followed during 43 days. The AOP was quantified electrochemically using disposable electrode strips and compared with results obtained from a colorimetric assay. Haematological data, data on haemolysis and the extracellular concentration of uric acid were also recorded. Additionally, a kinetic model was developed to extract quantitative kinetic data on the AOP behaviour.ResultsThe AOP of total ECs and their extracellular samples attained a maximum after 1 week of storage prior to decaying and reaching a plateau, as shown by the electrochemical measurements. The observed trend was confirmed with a colorimetric assay. Uric acid had a major contribution to the extracellular AOP. Interestingly, the AOP and uric acid levels were linked to the sex of the donors.ConclusionThe marked increase in AOP during the first week of storage suggests that RBCs are impacted early by the modification of their environment. The AOP behaviour reflects the changes in metabolism activity following the adjustment of the extracellular uric acid level. Knowing the origin, interdonor variability and the effects of the AOP on the RBCs could be beneficial for the storage quality, which will have to be further studied.