bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investor behavior: hedge fund returns and strategies
Authors: Bello Andres , Smolarski Jan , Soydemir Gökçe , Acevedo Linda 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate to what extent hedge funds are subject to irrationality in their investment decisions. The authors advance the hypothesis that irrational behavior affects hedge fund returns despite their sophistication and active management style.

Design/methodology/approach
The irrational component may follow a pattern consistent with the observed hedge fund returns yet far distant from market fundamentals. The authors include factors beyond the original version of capital asset pricing model such as Fama and French and Carhart models, as well as less stringent models, such as APT and Fung and Hsieh, to test whether these models are able to capture the irrational nature of the residuals.

Findings
After finding that institutional irrational sentiments play a role in hedge fund returns, we note that the returns are not completely shielded against irrational trading; however, hedge fund returns appear to be affected only by the irrational component derived from institutional trading rather than that emanated from individuals.

Research limitations/implications
Different sources of irrationality may have asymmetric effects on hedge fund returns. Using a different set of sophisticated investors along with different market sentiment proxies may yield different results.

Practical implications
The authors argue that investors can use irrational beta to gauge the extent of institutional irrational sentiments prevailing in markets for the purpose of re-adjusting their portfolios and therefore use the betas as an early warning sign. It can also guide investors in avoiding funds and strategies that display greater irrational behavior.

Originality/value
The study advance the idea that the unexpected, hereafter irrational, component may follow a pattern consistent with the observed hedge fund returns, yet different from market fundamentals.
Development of mouse models for analysis of human virus infections
Authors: Takaki Hiromi , Oshiumi Hiroyuki , Shingai Masashi , Matsumoto Misako , Seya Tsukasa 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTViruses usually exhibit strict species‐specificity as a result of co‐evolution with the host. Thus, in mouse models, a great barrier exists for analysis of infections with human‐tropic viruses. Mouse models are unlikely to faithfully reproduce the human immune response to viruses or viral compounds and it is difficult to evaluate human therapeutic efficacy with antiviral reagents in mouse models. Humans and mice essentially have different immune systems, which makes it difficult to extrapolate mouse results to humans. In addition, apart from immunological reasons, viruses causing human diseases do not always infect mice because of species tropism. One way to determine tropism would be a virus receptor that is expressed on affected cells. The development of gene‐disrupted mice and Tg mice, which express human receptor genes, enables us to analyze several viral infections in mice. Mice are, indeed, susceptible to human viruses when artificially infected in receptor‐supplemented mice. Although the mouse cells less efficiently permit viral replication than do human cells, the models for analysis of human viruses have been established in vivo as well as in vitro, and explain viral pathogenesis in the mouse systems. In most systems, however, nucleic acid sensors and type I interferon suppress viral propagation to block the appearance of infectious manifestation. We herein review recent insight into in vivo antiviral responses induced in mouse infection models for typical human viruses.
Sensitivity Analysis for Matched Pair Analysis of Binary Data: From Worst Case to Average Case Analysis
Authors: Hasegawa Raiden , Small Dylan 
Published: March 2017

Summary
In matched observational studies where treatment assignment is not randomized, sensitivity analysis helps investigators determine how sensitive their estimated treatment effect is to some unmeasured confounder. The standard approach calibrates the sensitivity analysis according to the worst case bias in a pair. This approach will result in a conservative sensitivity analysis if the worst case bias does not hold in every pair. In this paper, we show that for binary data, the standard approach can be calibrated in terms of the average bias in a pair rather than worst case bias. When the worst case bias and average bias differ, the average bias interpretation results in a less conservative sensitivity analysis and more power. In many studies, the average case calibration may also carry a more natural interpretation than the worst case calibration and may also allow researchers to incorporate additional data to establish an empirical basis with which to calibrate a sensitivity analysis. We illustrate this with a study of the effects of cellphone use on the incidence of automobile accidents. Finally, we extend the average case calibration to the sensitivity analysis of confidence intervals for attributable effects.
Parametric Overdispersed Frailty Models for Current Status Data
Authors: Abrams Steven , Aerts Marc , Molenberghs Geert , Hens Niel 
Published: March 2017

SummaryFrailty models have a prominent place in survival analysis to model univariate and multivariate time-to-event data, often complicated by the presence of different types of censoring. In recent years, frailty modeling gained popularity in infectious disease epidemiology to quantify unobserved heterogeneity using Type I interval-censored serological data or current status data. In a multivariate setting, frailty models prove useful to assess the association between infection times related to multiple distinct infections acquired by the same individual. In addition to dependence among individual infection times, overdispersion can arise when the observed variability in the data exceeds the one implied by the model. In this article, we discuss parametric overdispersed frailty models for time-to-event data under Type I interval-censoring, building upon the work by Molenberghs et al. (2010) and Hens et al. (2009). The proposed methodology is illustrated using bivariate serological data on hepatitis A and B from Flanders, Belgium anno 1993–1994. Furthermore, the relationship between individual heterogeneity and overdispersion at a stratum-specific level is studied through simulations. Although it is important to account for overdispersion, one should be cautious when modeling both individual heterogeneity and overdispersion based on current status data as model selection is hampered by the loss of information due to censoring.
Thresholds for PSA doubling time in men with non‐metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Howard Lauren E. , Moreira Daniel M. , De Hoedt Amanda , Aronson William J. , Kane Christopher J. , Amling Christopher L. , Cooperberg Matthew R. , Terris Martha K. , Freedland Stephen J. 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesTo examine whether prostate‐specific antigen doubling time (PSADT) correlates with metastases, all‐cause mortality (ACM), and prostate cancer‐specific mortality (PCSM) and to identify PSADT thresholds that can be used clinically for risk stratification in men with M0 castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).Materials and MethodsWe collected data on 441 men with M0 CRPC in 2000–2015 at five Veterans Affairs hospitals. Cox models were used to test the association between log‐transformed PSADT and the development of metastasis, ACM and PCSM. To identify thresholds, we categorized PSADT into 3‐month groups and then combined groups with similar hazard ratios (HRs).ResultsThe median (interquartile range) follow‐up was 28.3 (14.7–49.1) months. As a continuous variable, PSADT was associated with metastases, ACM and PCSM (HR 1.40–1.68, all P < 0.001). We identified the following PSADT thresholds: <3 months; 3–8.9 months; 9–14. months; and ≥15 months. As a categorical variable, PSADT was associated with metastases, ACM and PCSM (all P < 0.001). Specifically, PSADT <3 months was associated with an approximately ninefold increased risk of metastases (HR 8.63, 95% CI 5.07–14.7) and PCSM (HR 9.29, 95% CI 5.38–16.0), and a 4.7‐fold increased risk of ACM (HR 4.71, 95% CI 2.98–7.43) on multivariable analysis compared with PSADT ≥15 months. The median times to metastasis for patients with PSADT <3, 3–8.9, 9–14.9 and ≥15 months were 9, 19, 40 and 50 months, respectively.ConclusionProstate‐specific antigen doubling time was a strong predictor of metastases, ACM and PCSM in patients with M0 CRPC. As with patients at earlier disease stages, <3, 3–8.9, 9–14.9 and ≥15 months are reasonable PSADT thresholds for risk stratification in men with M0 CRPC. These thresholds can be used for selecting high‐risk men for clinical trials.
Electrophysiological and laboratory behavioral responses of a leaf beetle pest of elm, Ambrostoma quadriimpressum, to selected plant volatiles and essential oils
Authors: Wang Yan‐Chen , Li Peng , Chi De‐Fu 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe leaf beetle Ambrostoma quadriimpressum Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is distributed in China, Siberia, and elsewhere in northeastern Asia. This pest feeds only on buds and leaves of elm trees (Ulmaceae) and inhibits elm trees sprouting, increasing the risk of damage and destruction by other pests. We investigated selected plant compounds that could be used for the development of semiochemical‐based push‐pull methods for the control of this elm pest. Electroantennogram (EAG), Y‐tube olfactometer, and wind tunnel bioassays were conducted to test the electrophysiological and behavioral response of A. quadriimpressum to nine individual volatiles and five essential oils. Individual volatiles and essential oils were selected based on their activity against insects in previous studies. The individual volatiles and essential oils were dissolved in dichloromethane and adsorbed by filter paper. Using a pipette, odor stimuli were delivered as 0.5‐s puffs of air into a continuously humidified air stream in the odor delivery tube at 400 ml per min. Ambrostoma quadriimpressum adults display strong EAG responses to l mol l−1 isoeugenol, (1R)‐(+)‐α‐pinene, 1% pepper oil (derived from the pericarp of Piper chinense Miq.), and peppermint oil [derived from the aerial parts of Mentha haplocalyx (Briq.)] compared to the control. In behavioral assays conducted using a Y‐tube olfactometer and a wind tunnel, adult beetles were attracted by (1R)‐(+)‐α‐pinene but repelled by 0.1% pepper oil. The results provide a basis for the development of a ‘push‐pull’ strategy to manage A. quadriimpressum.
Partitioning within‐species variance in behaviour to within‐ and between‐population components for understanding evolution
Authors: Garamszegi László Zsolt , Møller Anders Pape 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPhenotypes vary at multiple hierarchical levels, of which the interspecific variance is the primary focus of phylogenetic comparative studies. However, the evolutionary role of particular within‐species variance components (between‐population, between‐ or within‐individual variances) remains neglected. Here, we partition the variance in an anti‐predator behaviour, flight initiation distance (FID), and assess how its within‐ and between‐population variance are related to life history, distribution, dispersal and habitat ecology. Although the composition of within‐species variance in FID depended on the phylogeny, most variance occurred within populations. When accounting for allometry, density‐dependence, uncertainty in the phylogenetic hypothesis and heterogeneity in data quality, within‐population variance was significantly associated with habitat diversity and population size. Between‐population variance was a significant predictor of natal dispersal, senescence and habitat diversity. Accordingly, not only species‐specific mean values of a behavioural trait, but also its variance within and among populations can shape the evolutionary ecology of species.
Ecological intensification to mitigate impacts of conventional intensive land use on pollinators and pollination
Authors: Kovács‐Hostyánszki Anikó , Espíndola Anahí , Vanbergen Adam J. , Settele Josef , Kremen Claire , Dicks Lynn V. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWorldwide, human appropriation of ecosystems is disrupting plant–pollinator communities and pollination function through habitat conversion and landscape homogenisation. Conversion to agriculture is destroying and degrading semi‐natural ecosystems while conventional land‐use intensification (e.g. industrial management of large‐scale monocultures with high chemical inputs) homogenises landscape structure and quality. Together, these anthropogenic processes reduce the connectivity of populations and erode floral and nesting resources to undermine pollinator abundance and diversity, and ultimately pollination services. Ecological intensification of agriculture represents a strategic alternative to ameliorate these drivers of pollinator decline while supporting sustainable food production, by promoting biodiversity beneficial to agricultural production through management practices such as intercropping, crop rotations, farm‐level diversification and reduced agrochemical use. We critically evaluate its potential to address and reverse the land use and management trends currently degrading pollinator communities and potentially causing widespread pollination deficits. We find that many of the practices that constitute ecological intensification can contribute to mitigating the drivers of pollinator decline. Our findings support ecological intensification as a solution to pollinator declines, and we discuss ways to promote it in agricultural policy and practice.
Influence of phosphorylated rice flour on the quality of gluten‐free bread
Authors: Kringel Dianini Hüttner , Filipini Gabriel da Silva , Salas‐Mellado Myriam de las Mercedes 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe chemical modification of rice flour by phosphorylation is an alternative to improve the technological quality of bakery products. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of phosphorylation process of rice flour on technological properties (specific volume, crumb and crust colour) of gluten‐free breads and the hardening of these breads during two storage temperatures (21 °C and −24 °C). Breads were made with native rice flour, with phosphorylated rice flour and with wheat flour, used as control. The phosphorylation causes significant reduction in the synaeresis of pastes and in retrogradation tendency of rice flours, varying from 258.7 cP (native rice flour) to 122 cP (phosphorylated rice flour). The breads prepared with phosphorylated rice flour showed reduction in the hardness in both storage temperatures studied and effect on rice bread volume, crumb appearance and colour, demonstrating the possibility of use of the phosphorylated rice flour in gluten‐free breads.
Polymorphism in emergence of deciduous dentition: A cross‐sectional study of Indian children
Authors: Kariya Pratik , Tandon Shobha , Singh Sweta , Tewari Nitesh 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the timing and sequence of the eruption of deciduous teeth in Indian children.MethodThis cross‐sectional study focused on children aged 5‐36 months. One hospital was randomly selected from four geographic zones of the city. A total of 400 children from each hospital, fulfilling the inclusion criteria, constituted the sample. The examination was carried out by a single, trained examiner. The tooth was recorded as “present” or “absent” on the day of examination. The mean age of emergence was calculated using a probit model. Independent sample t‐test was used to assess the statistical significance of differences in the mean age of tooth emergence.ResultsThe deciduous mandibular central incisor was the first tooth to erupt in the oral cavity (8.15±1.69 months). Girls showed delayed eruption compared to boys; however, no interarch variation was observed in the mean age of tooth eruption. There was also no difference in the sequence of eruption of deciduous teeth, as reported in other studies.ConclusionsThe present study establishes a chronological table for the eruption of deciduous teeth in Indian children. There was delayed eruption of deciduous teeth when compared to the reference ranges of Western populations.
Heparin‐binding protein: a key player in the pathophysiology of organ dysfunction in sepsis
Authors: Fisher J. , Linder A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractInfectious diseases remain a major health problem, and sepsis and other severe infectious diseases are common causes of morbidity and mortality. There is a need for clinical and laboratory tools to identify patients with severe infections early and to distinguish between bacterial and nonbacterial conditions. Heparin‐binding protein (HBP), also known as azurocidin or cationic antimicrobial protein of 37 KDa, is a promising biomarker to distinguish between patients with these conditions. It is biologically plausible that HBP is an early and predictive biomarker because it is prefabricated and rapidly mobilized from migrating neutrophils in response to bacterial infections. HBP induces vascular leakage and oedema formation and has a pro‐inflammatory effect on a variety of white blood cells and epithelial cells. The dysregulation of vascular barrier function and cellular inflammatory responses can then lead to organ dysfunction. Indeed, it has been shown that patients with sepsis express elevated levels of HBP in plasma several hours before they develop hypotension or organ dysfunction. HBP has a major role in the pathophysiology of severe bacterial infections and thus represents a potential diagnostic marker and a target for the treatment of sepsis.
Transfemoral access when superior venous approach is not feasible equals overall success of permanent pacemaker implantation. Ten‐year series
Authors: García Guerrero Juan J. , Fernández de la Concha Castañeda Joaquín , Doblado Calatrava Manuel , Redondo Méndez Ángel , Lázaro Medrano Manuel , Merchán Herrera Antonio 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundWhen permanent pacemaker implantation is not possible or advisable via superior venous access (i.e., axillary or subclavian veins), safe and feasible surgical alternatives are required. The femoral approach is relatively unknown and seldom studied. This single‐center study analyzed 10‐year outcomes of a femoral implantation approach.MethodsData about the implantation procedure (indication, approach, lead and pacemaker models, complications), patient characteristics (age, sex, medications, comorbidities), and follow‐up were analyzed for all permanent pacemaker implantations using the femoral approach between June 2001 and June 2011.ResultsA permanent pacemaker was implanted with the femoral approach in 50 patients (mean age, 76 years [range: 45–96], 31 [61%] men). The most frequent indication was atrioventricular block, associated with sinus rhythm in 30 patients and with atrial fibrillation in eight patients. Overall, 20 patients (40%) were treated with oral anticoagulants postimplantation. Mean implantation time was 64 minutes (range: 20–210) and mean fluoroscopy time was 6.7 minutes (range: 0.2–50). Minimum follow‐up window was 1 year (June 2012), with a mean of 50 months [range: 1–113]). No deaths, septic episodes, or severe complications were associated with the procedure, acute or long‐term. Follow‐up data were available for 46 patients, of who 21 (46%) died during follow‐up (mean age, 87 years [range: 73–101]). No cause of death was associated with the femoral technique.ConclusionPermanent pacemaker implantation through femoral access is not difficult for an experienced implant surgeon. Outcomes were comparable to systems implanted by superior venous approach, and no severe complications were observed at 10‐year follow‐up.
The Polarization of American Environmental Policy: A Regression Discontinuity Analysis of Senate and House Votes, 1971–2013
Authors: Kim Sung Eun , Urpelainen Johannes 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe partisan polarization of environmental policy is an important development in American politics, but it remains unclear how much such polarization reflects voter preferences, as opposed to disagreements between partisan elites. We conduct a regression discontinuity analysis of all major environmental and energy votes in the Senate and the House, 1971–2013. In total, we have 368,974 individual roll call votes by senators and House Representatives. The causal effect of electing a Democrat instead of a Republican in close elections on pro‐environmental voting is large: when a Democrat wins, pro‐environmental voting increases by over 40 percentage points. Because of the quasi‐experimental research design, this difference cannot be attributed to the median voter's preferences. Next, we test hypotheses concerning possible explanations for the elite partisan conflict. The Democrat–Republican gap is the widest when fossil fuel interests make contributions exclusively to Republicans and when state‐level public opinion is polarized.
Bioluminescence Method for
In Vitro
Screening of Plasmodium Transmission-Blocking Compounds
Authors: Azevedo Raquel , Markovic Marija , Machado Marta , Franke-Fayard Blandine , Mendes António M. , Prudêncio Miguel 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

The sporogonic stage of the life cycle of
Plasmodium
spp., the causative agents of malaria, occurs inside the parasite's mosquito vector, where a process of fertilization, meiosis, and mitotic divisions culminates in the generation of large numbers of mammalian-infective sporozoites. Efforts to cultivate
Plasmodium
mosquito stages
in vitro
have proved challenging and yielded only moderate success. Here, we describe a methodology that simplifies the
in vitro
screening of much-needed transmission-blocking (TB) compounds employing a bioluminescence-based method to monitor the
in vitro
development of sporogonic stages of the rodent malaria parasite
Plasmodium berghei
. Our proof-of-principle assessment of the
in vitro
TB activity of several commonly used antimalarial compounds identified cycloheximide, thiostrepton, and atovaquone as the most active compounds against the parasite's sporogonic stages. The TB activity of these compounds was further confirmed by
in vivo
studies that validated our newly developed
in vitro
approach to TB compound screening.