bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Commodities returns’ volatility in financialization era
Authors: Handika Rangga , Putra Iswahyudi Sondi 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to indirectly evaluate the accuracy of various volatility models using a value-at-risk (VaR) approach and to investigate the relationship between the accuracy of volatility modelling and investments performance in the financialized commodity markets.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses the VaR back-testing approach at six different commodities, seven different volatility models and five different time horizons.

Findings
This paper finds that the moving average (MA) VaR model tends to be the best for oil, copper, wheat and corn (long horizon) whereas the exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic (E-GARCH) VaR model tends to be the best for gold, silver and corn (short horizon). Our findings indicate that MA volatility model should be used for oil, copper, wheat and corn (for longer time horizons) commodities whereas E-GARCH volatility model should be used for gold, silver and corn (for short time horizons) commodities. We also find that there is a positive relationship between an accurate VaR performance and commodity return. This indicates that a good job in modelling volatility will be rewarded by higher returns in financialized commodity markets.

Originality/value
This paper indirectly evaluates the accuracy of volatility model via VaR measure and investigates the relationship between the accuracy of volatility and investments performance in financialized commodity markets. This paper contributes to the literature by offering VaR approach in evaluating volatility model performance and reporting the importance of performing accurate volatility modelling in financialized commodity markets.
Suppression of IL‐8 Release by Sweet Olive Ethanolic Extract and Compounds in WiDr Colon Adenocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Ye Yi‐Ling , Chang Huei‐Shin , Tseng Yu‐Fang , Shi Li‐Shian 
Published: July 2017

AbstractOxidative stress can stimulate the secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease and the metastatic spread of colorectal cancer. The flowers of Osmanthus fragrans (sweet olive) are used to alleviate dysentery with blood in the bowel, as well as stomach ache and diarrhea. However, the evidence of their therapeutic effects on these symptoms remains unclear. In the present study, the protective effects of sweet olive flower ethanolic extract (OFE) against oxidative stress in WiDr cells was assessed by evaluating its 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity. In addition, cellular IL‐8 secretion was evaluated. Notably, high‐performance liquid chromatography showed verbascoside to be the primary constituent in OFE; it exhibited a DPPH scavenging activity with an IC50 of 8.23 μg/mL. Moreover, OFE (1 to 100 μg/mL) showed a potent, dose‐dependent inhibitory effect on H2O2‐induced IL‐8 secretion in WiDr cells. Nine compounds were isolated from OFE based on a protective effect‐guided purification process. Of these compounds, 5 phenolic compounds—verbascoside, phillygenin, tyrosol, methyl 4‐hydroxycinnamate, and eutigoside A—reduced IL‐8 secretion at 10 μg/mL treatment concentrations. Further analysis showed that the anti‐inflammatory effects of OFE likely occurred via nuclear factor‐κB pathway inhibition, which attenuates IL‐8 secretion in cells. Collectively, these data suggest that OFE could be developed as an agent that suppresses IL‐8 secretion to treat chronic inflammatory diseases.
Clinical outcomes of patients with resectable pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma
Authors: Seo Seyoung , Yoo Changhoon , Kim Kyu‐poy , Ryoo Baek‐Yeol , Chang Heung‐Moon , Hong Seung‐Mo , Lee Jae Hoon , Song Ki Byung , Hwang Dae Wook , Kim Ki‐Hun , Hwang Shin , Kim Song Cheol 
Published: July 2017

OBJECTIVEGiven the rarity of the disease, the post‐resection clinical course of localized pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) is largely unknown. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the outcomes of patients with localized pancreatic ACC who underwent curative surgical resection.METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 20 patients with resectable pancreatic ACC who underwent surgery.RESULTSAltogether 20 patients were included in the study, with a median age of 57 years and a male predominance. There were eight pure ACC, 10 mixed acinar–neuroendocrine carcinomas and two mixed acinar–ductal adenocarcinomas. Among the 15 patients who were staged histologically, 3, 8 and 4 were at stages IB, IIA and IIB, respectively. Eleven patients received adjuvant chemotherapy (5‐fluorouracil‐based [n = 9]; gemcitabine [n = 1]; etoposide plus cisplatin [n = 1]). In a median follow‐up period of 27.1 months, disease recurred in 10 patients, most commonly in the liver (90%). Median recurrence‐free survival and overall survival were 16.9 months and 75.0 months, respectively. Elevation of cancer antigen 19‐9 (CA19‐9), lymph node metastasis and neural invasion were significantly associated with poor overall survival (P = 0.007, P = 0.027 and P = 0.016, respectively).CONCLUSIONSCompared with ductal adenocarcinoma, resectable pancreatic ACC has a favorable prognosis after surgery. Considering that distant metastasis is the most common pattern of recurrence, further studies are necessary to define the role of adjuvant chemotherapy for improving survival outcomes.
Inadequate treatment practices for pain relief and adverse event management in cancer patients across 10 countries/regions in Asia: a call for greater efforts to improve standards for patient care
Authors: Ho Kok Yuen , Ahn Jin Seok , Calimag Maria Minerva , Chao Ta‐Chung , Kim Yong‐Chul , Moon Hanlim , Tho Lye Mun , Xia Zhong‐Jun , You Dora 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAimTo examine the treatment practices for cancer pain relief and adverse event management, and the factors related to patient outcomes in the participating countries/regions.MethodsThe study was a cross‐sectional survey conducted between September and December 2013 in 10 countries/regions across Asia. Adult patients with a history of cancer pain at least 1 month before study entry completed the survey questionnaire.ResultsA total of 1190 patients were included. The mean Box Scale‐11 (BS‐11) pain score was 6.0 (SD 2.1), with 86.2% experiencing moderate‐to‐severe pain and 53.2% receiving opioids at time of the survey. The mean BS‐11 scores were 5.3 (SD 2.1) in the “others” (single non‐opioid medication or untreated) group, 6.3 (SD 2.0) in the ≥2 non‐opioids group and 6.7 (SD 1.9) in the opioid group. The proportions of patients experiencing moderate‐to‐severe pain were 79.1%, 87.3% and 93.7%, respectively. About 70% of patients reported adverse events due to their pain medications, about half had received medications to manage these symptoms. Adverse events were negatively associated with activities of daily living (P < 0.0001). Pain and hindrance to activities of daily living were negatively associated with employment status (P = 0.003 and 0.021). Unemployment was significantly associated with poorer quality of life (P < 0.0001).ConclusionThis analysis demonstrates inadequate management of cancer pain and treatment‐related adverse events in the participating cohort. Pain and inadequate management of adverse events were negatively associated with patients’ overall well‐being. More collaborative efforts should be taken to optimize pain treatment and increase awareness of adverse event management in physicians.
Emerging role of interleukin‐31 and interleukin‐31 receptor in pruritus in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Furue M. , Yamamura K. , Kido‐Nakahara M. , Nakahara T. , Fukui Y. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic or chronically relapsing, eczematous, severely pruritic skin disorder associated with skin barrier dysfunction. The lesional skin of AD exhibits T helper 2 (TH2)‐deviated immune reactions. Interleukin‐31 (IL‐31), preferentially produced from TH2 cells, is a potent pruritogenic cytokine, and its systemic and local administration induces scratching behavior in rodents, dogs and monkeys. Recent clinical trials have revealed that administration of an anti‐IL‐31 receptor antibody significantly alleviates pruritus in patients with AD. In this review, we summarize recent topics related to IL‐31 and its receptor with special references to atopic itch.
The effects of psychological interventions on wound healing: A systematic review of randomized trials
Authors: Robinson Hayley , Norton Sam , Jarrett Paul , Broadbent Elizabeth 
Published: July 2017

PurposePsychological stress has been shown to delay wound healing. Several trials have investigated whether psychological interventions can improve wound healing, but to date, this evidence base has not been systematically synthesized. The objective was to conduct a systematic review of randomized controlled trials in humans investigating whether psychological interventions can enhance wound healing.MethodsA systematic review was performed using PsychINFO,CINAHL, Web of Science, andMEDLINE. The searches included all papers published in English up until September 2016. The reference lists of relevant papers were screened manually to identify further review articles or relevant studies. Nineteen studies met inclusion criteria and were included in the review.ResultsFifteen of nineteen studies were of high methodological quality. Six studies were conducted with acute experimentally created wounds, five studies with surgical patients, two studies with burn wounds, two studies with fracture wounds, and four studies were conducted with ulcer wounds. Post‐intervention standardized mean differences (SMD) between groups across all intervention types ranged from 0.13 to 3.21, favouring improved healing, particularly for surgical patients and for relaxation interventions. However, there was some evidence for publication bias suggesting negative studies may not have been reported. Due to the heterogeneity of wound types, population types, and intervention types, it is difficult to pool effect sizes across studies.ConclusionsCurrent evidence suggests that psychological interventions may aid wound healing. Although promising, more research is needed to assess the efficacy of each intervention on different wound types.Statement of contributionWhat is already known on this subject?Psychological stress negatively affects wound healing. A number of studies have investigated whether psychological interventions can improve healing. However, no systematic reviews have been conducted.What does this study add?Synthesis and review of 19 trials conducted on psychological interventions and wound healing.Most evidence supports improved healing, particularly for surgical wounds and relaxation interventions.More research is needed on different intervention types with clinical wounds and into mechanisms of action.
Pre‐dispersal seed predators and fungi differ in their effect on Luehea seemannii capsule development, seed germination, and dormancy across two Panamanian forests
Authors: Tiansawat Pimonrat , Beckman Noelle G. , Dalling James W. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPre‐dispersal seed predation can greatly reduce crop size affecting recruitment success. In addition, non‐fatal damage by seed predators may allow infection by fungi responsible for post‐dispersal seed losses. The objectives of this study were (1) to quantify pre‐dispersal seed predation and fungal infection in a Neotropical tree species, Luehea seemannii, that produces dehiscent fruits and wind‐dispersed seeds, and (2) to link pre‐dispersal effects on seed quality to seed survival in the soil. To examine how seed predators and fungi influence seed losses, mesh exclosures, fungicide, and the combination of both treatments were applied to separate branches in the canopy of trees in Gamboa and Parque Natural Metropolitano (PNM), Panama. To determine if treatments affect seed viability and survival in the soil, half of the seeds collected from each treatment were buried for 4 weeks in forest soils and subsequently allowed to germinate before and after the breaking of dormancy. Overall, 24 percent of developing fruit were lost to insect attack. In contrast, fungi infected only 3 percent of seeds at the pre‐dispersal stage. For seeds germinated directly after collection, fungicide significantly increased germination in the wetter site (Gamboa) but decreased germination in the drier site (PNM). The pre‐dispersal insect exclosure treatment increased the fraction of seeds that remained dormant after burial in the soil. This result suggests that exposure to insect predators may cause physical damage to seeds that results in the loss of physical dormancy but does not necessarily increase the susceptibility of seeds to pathogen attack in the soil.
The pathological roles of NDRG2 in Alzheimer's disease, a study using animal models and APPwt‐overexpressed cells
Authors: Rong Xian‐Fang , Sun Ying‐Ni , Liu Dong‐Mei , Yin Hua‐Jing , Peng Ying , Xu Shao‐Feng , Wang Ling , Wang Xiao‐Liang 
Published: July 2017

SummaryAimsTo investigate the roles of N‐myc downstream‐regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) in the pathology of aging and neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease (AD).ResultsIn this study, we confirmed the upregulation of NDRG2 in the brains of aging and AD animal models. To explore the role of NDRG2 in the pathology of AD at molecular level, we conducted a cell‐based assay of highly expressed wild‐type human APP695 SK‐N‐SH cells (SK‐N‐SH APPwt). By silencing and overexpressing gene of NDRG2, we demonstrated that NDRG2‐mediated increase in Aβ1‐42 was through the pathways of BACE1 and GGA3. NGRG2 improved tau phosphorylation via enhanced activity of CDK5 and decreased Pin1, but it was not affected by GSK3β pathway. NDRG2 might also induce cell apoptosis through the extrinsic (caspase 8) apoptotic pathway by interaction with STAT3.ConclusionOur study confirmed the upregulation of NDRG2 in AD animal models and demonstrated its important roles in AD pathology. NDRG2 might be a potential target for studying and treatment of AD.
Direct acting oral anticoagulants for the treatment of suspected heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Davis Kyle A. , Davis Daphne O. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) therapy in hospitalized patients with suspected heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).MethodsRetrospective cohort study of adult patients prescribed apixaban, dabigatran, or rivaroxaban for the treatment of acute HIT from January 1, 2013 to January 1, 2017. Eligibility requirements included an intermediate or high pretest probability for HIT (4T score≥4) and a positive IgG‐specific anti‐PF4/heparin complex assay. The primary outcome measure was the composite of newly diagnosed venous or arterial thromboembolism, gangrene, or amputation due to critical limb ischemia during hospitalization.ResultsA total of 12 patients were included for analysis, five of which experienced HIT‐related thrombosis prior to initiation of DOAC therapy. Seven patients received parenteral therapy with argatroban prior to initiation of DOAC treatment. Nine patients were treated with apixaban while three received rivaroxaban for an average of 9.33 days while hospitalized. Zero patients experienced the primary outcome of HIT‐related thrombosis, and no patients experienced major bleeding post DOAC initiation. All patients achieved platelet recovery while receiving DOAC therapy.ConclusionsIn this small retrospective study of adult patients treated for acute HIT, treatment with DOAC therapy was not associated with in‐hospital thrombotic or hemorrhagic events.
Informed Options Trading Prior to Dividend Change Announcements
Authors: Zhang Jun 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis paper investigates the information content of options trading prior to dividend change announcements. I find a positive (negative) relation between pre‐announcement abnormal implied volatility (IV) spread (abnormal IV skew) and cumulative abnormal stock returns around dividend change announcements. The predictive power of informed options trading is stronger for announcements of dividend reduction and when the options market is more liquid relative to the stock market and weaker when information has already been incorporated in the stock market. The predictability of informed options trading is robust to a placebo test and alternative measures of informed options trading. Overall results suggest that informed options trading predicts dividend change announcement returns.
Constraining the timing of the Great Oxidation Event within the Rubisco phylogenetic tree
Authors: Kacar B. , Hanson‐Smith V. , Adam Z. R. , Boekelheide N. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractRibulose 1,5‐bisphosphate (RuBP) carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO, or Rubisco) catalyzes a key reaction by which inorganic carbon is converted into organic carbon in the metabolism of many aerobic and anaerobic organisms. Across the broader Rubisco protein family, homologs exhibit diverse biochemical characteristics and metabolic functions, but the evolutionary origins of this diversity are unclear. Evidence of the timing of Rubisco family emergence and diversification of its different forms has been obscured by a meager paleontological record of early Earth biota, their subcellular physiology and metabolic components. Here, we use computational models to reconstruct a Rubisco family phylogenetic tree, ancestral amino acid sequences at branching points on the tree, and protein structures for several key ancestors. Analysis of historic substitutions with respect to their structural locations shows that there were distinct periods of amino acid substitution enrichment above background levels near and within its oxygen‐sensitive active site and subunit interfaces over the divergence between Form III (associated with anoxia) and Form I (associated with oxia) groups in its evolutionary history. One possible interpretation is that these periods of substitutional enrichment are coincident with oxidative stress exerted by the rise of oxygenic photosynthesis in the Precambrian era. Our interpretation implies that the periods of Rubisco substitutional enrichment inferred near the transition from anaerobic Form III to aerobic Form I ancestral sequences predate the acquisition of Rubisco by fully derived cyanobacterial (i.e., dual photosystem‐bearing, oxygen‐evolving) clades. The partitioning of extant lineages at high clade levels within our Rubisco phylogeny indicates that horizontal transfer of Rubisco is a relatively infrequent event. Therefore, it is possible that the mutational enrichment periods between the Form III and Form I common ancestral sequences correspond to the adaptation of key oxygen‐sensitive components of Rubisco prior to, or coincident with, the Great Oxidation Event.
University governance in flux. The impact of external and internal pressures on the distribution of authority within British universities: A synoptic view
Authors: Shattock Michael 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis article reviews changes in British university governance over a period of nearly a century. During this time there have been considerable changes in the way universities have distributed authority in governance although the legal frameworks, statutory and legislative, have remained largely unchanged. The article shows that there were distinct phases in the internal balances within governance structures and relates these to external pressures, mostly state driven. Critics of current trends in university governance tend to look back to a utopian traditional model but the evidence suggests that the internal balances were always to a considerable extent contingent on external conditions and fluctuated accordingly. There is no evidence that while the state applied pressure for change in various aspects of governance it substantially intervened to impose constitutional changes except in respect to the Higher Education corporation (HEC) structure for the former polytechnics in 1988 and that, in its most managerial details, was in response to demands from the polytechnic directors themselves. The changes in how authority is distributed were therefore decided by the institutions themselves albeit in response to external pressures. But the article suggests that institutions’ responses were variable and that where a strong research culture existed the accumulation of social capital was such that radical changes in the distribution of authority were resisted. One consequence is that there is now much greater diversity in institutional governance structures with some pre‐1992 universities leaning much more towards HEC models, some HECs edging towards more traditional models and some institutions preserving significant elements of authority which others would regard as utopian. In Britain, reputation, research success and brand image are closely associated with the latter.
Reading the March: Interpretations and Constructions of the Welsh Marcher Lordships and the Church in Wales, c. 1100–1284
Authors: Julian‐Jones Melissa 
Published: July 2017

AbstractReading historians' views on the March of Wales from the 19th century onwards reveals a range of interpretations of the region, but these have been predominantly secular in nature. Historical constructions of Marcher lordship have varied depending on the way historiographical trends have developed, and how this subject could be placed and understood within frameworks for understanding the medieval history of England and Wales as a whole. Not since the mid‐20th century have scholars dealt with the relationship between the Church in Wales and the impact this had on the constructions and development of Marcher lordships. This article explores this gap, focusing on the interplay between Church and lordship and the scope for further exploration of earlier, influential ideas, such as R. R. Davies' view that the church in the Wales played a ‘subjugation’ role in support of the military conquest, and the more nuanced observations of Glanmor Williams, who allowed for a more complicated picture to emerge based on brief analysis of certain events before 1282. In following the threads of these scholars and highlighting more recent studies, particularly in the field of family studies, where individual case studies of Marcher families has revealed more of this complex picture, this article argues for a microcosmic approach to tackle the gap and opens up avenues for future studies.
Measuring the social responsibility of European companies: a goal programming approach
Authors: García‐Martínez Gabriel , Guijarro Francisco , Poyatos Juan A. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCorporate social responsibility (CSR) can be measured by a number of different criteria, some of which are similar to each other, while others can be manifestly contrary to the general tendency. This means that some companies can obtain a good valuation in some criteria but a bad valuation in others, which makes it difficult to assess the company's overall CSR valuation. It is not easy to find a single measure that covers all aspects of corporate social performance. This paper aims to estimate multicriteria CSR performance through different models of goal programming and by taking into account all the dimensions that make up CSR. An illustrative example shows the result of applying these models to a database composed of 212 European companies, which enabled us to identify the most socially responsible group, regardless of the approach considered in the construction of the multicriteria performance. The results show that environmental and corporate governance dimensions are the most important elements in measuring this performance.