bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Commitment and Cost of Equity Capital: An Examination of Timely Balance Sheet Disclosure in Earnings Announcements
Authors: Evans Mark E. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIn this paper, I examine the relation between disclosure commitment and cost of equity capital using accelerated earnings announcement disclosures as a measure of commitment. In settings characterized by imperfect market competition, I find that firms which consistently disclose balance sheet detail in relatively timely earnings announcements have lower costs of capital compared to other firms. This result is statistically significant and economically meaningful, and is robust to various alternative measurements for cost of capital, and alternative designs addressing endogeneity and underlying information quality. Overall, this result is important because it highlights additional dimensions of disclosure commitment (consistency and timeliness), while incorporating important features from theoretical models (information quality and market competition). In particular, my results suggest that consistency and timeliness are salient features of firms' disclosure behavior that have predictable and robust relations with capital market outcomes. This result is robust to controlling for underlying information quality; however, consistent with theory, it is conditional on low levels of market competition.
The second window of desflurane‐induced preconditioning is mediated by STAT3: role of Pim‐1 kinase
Authors: Stumpner J. , Tischer‐Zeitz T. , Lotz C. , Umminger J. , Neuwirth A. , Smul T. M. , Redel A. , Kehl F. , Roewer N. , Lange M. 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundLate ischemic preconditioning is mediated via nuclear transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Pim‐1 kinase reduces infarct size in cardiomyocytes and is regulated by STAT3. We tested the hypothesis that late desflurane‐induced preconditioning (DES‐SWOP) is mediated via STAT3 and Pim‐1.MethodsAfter institutional approval, pentobarbital‐anesthetized male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to 45 min coronary artery occlusion (CAO) and 3 h reperfusion. Control animals received no additional intervention. Desflurane was administered 48 h before CAO either alone or in combination with the janus kinase/STAT3 inhibitor AG‐490 (40 μg/g i.p., 20 min before desflurane administration) or the Pim‐1 kinase inhibitor II (PIM‐Inh.II, 10 μg/g i.p., 15 min before CAO). Infarct size (IS) and area at risk were determined with triphenyltetrazolium chloride and Evans blue, respectively. Additionally, cytosolic and nuclear fractions were separated at two different time points and expression of STAT3, phospho‐STAT3Ser727, phospho‐STAT3Tyr705, Pim‐1, Bad and phospho‐BadSer112 were determined by Western Blot analysis. Data were analyzed with one‐way or two‐way ANOVA and post hoc Duncan test and are presented as mean ± SEM.ResultsIS was 47 ± 2% (n = 7–8 per group) in control animals (CON). DES‐SWOP reduced myocardial infarct size to 23 ± 4%* (*P < 0.05 vs. CON). AG‐490 alone did not affect myocardial infarct size (44 ± 7%), but abolished DES‐SWOP (44 ± 4%). Blockade of Pim‐1 did not affect the protection by DES‐SWOP (34 ± 4%*). Desflurane reduced cytosolic content and enhanced nuclear content of phospho‐STATSer727. After 48 h, desflurane enhanced Pim‐1 activity, whereas Pim‐1 expression remained unchanged.ConclusionThese data suggest that DES‐SWOP is mediated by activation and nuclear translocation of STAT3. The impact of Pim‐1 in DES‐SWOP signaling remains unclear.
Perfopticon: Visual Query Analysis for Distributed Databases
Authors: Moritz Dominik , Halperin Daniel , Howe Bill , Heer Jeffrey 
Published: July 2015

AbstractDistributed database performance is often unpredictable due to issues such as system complexity, network congestion, or imbalanced data distribution. These issues are difficult for users to assess in part due to the opaque mapping between declaratively specified queries and actual physical execution plans. Database developers currently must expend significant time and effort scanning log files to isolate and debug the root causes of performance issues. In response, we present Perfopticon, an interactive query profiling tool that enables rapid insight into common problems such as performance bottlenecks and data skew. Perfopticon combines interactive visualizations of (1) query plans, (2) overall query execution, (3) data flow among servers, and (4) execution traces. These views coordinate multiple levels of abstraction to enable detection, isolation, and understanding of performance issues. We evaluate our design choices through engagements with system developers, scientists, and students. We demonstrate that Perfopticon enables performance debugging for real‐world tasks.
Predicting Malawian Women's Intention to Adhere to Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: McKinney Ogbochi , Modeste Naomi N. , Lee Jerry W. , Gleason Peter C. 
Published: July 2015

Background With the increase in scaling up of antiretroviral therapy (ART), knowledge of the need for adherence to ART is pivotal for successful treatment outcomes. Design and Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out between October and December 2013. We administered theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and adherence questionnaires to 358 women aged 18-49 years, from a rural and urban ART-clinics in southern Malawi. Hierarchical linear regression models were used to predict intentions to adhere to ART. Results Regression models show that attitude (β=0.47), subjective norm (β=0.31) and perceived behavioural control (β=0.12) explain 55% of the variance in intentions to adhere to ART. The relationship between both food insecurity and perceived side effects with intentions to adhere to ART is mediated by attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control. Household ( r=0.20) and individual ( r=0.21) food insecurity were positively and significantly correlated with perceived behavioural control. Household food insecurity had a negative correlation with perceived side effects ( r=-0.11). Perceived side effects were positively correlated with attitude ( r=0.25). There was no statistically significant relationship between intentions to adhere to ART in the future and one month self-report of past month adherence. These interactions suggest that attitude predicted adherence only when food insecurity is high or perception of side effects is strong. Conclusions This study shows that modification might be needed when using TPB constructs in resource constraint environments.
A Robust Predictive Control Design for Nonlinear Active Suspension Systems
Authors: Bououden Sofiane , Chadli Mohammed , Karimi Hamid Reza 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis paper proposes a novel method for designing robust nonlinear multivariable predictive control for nonlinear active suspension systems via the Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy approach. The controller design is converted to a convex optimization problem with linear matrix inequality constraints. The stability of the control system is achieved by the use of terminal constraints, in particular the Constrained Receding‐Horizon Predictive Control algorithm to maintain a robust performance of vehicle systems. A quarter‐car model with active suspension system is considered in this paper and a numerical example is employed to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The obtained results are compared with those achieved with model predictive control in terms of robustness and stability.
Effectiveness of low‐dose pasireotide in a patient with Cushing's disease: antiproliferative effect and predictivity of a short pasireotide suppression test
Authors: Grossrubatscher Erika , Zampetti Benedetta , Dalino Ciaramella Paolo , Doneda Paola , Loli Paola 
Published: July 2015

Key Clinical MessageThis case shows efficacy of low‐dose pasireotide in biochemical and clinical control of severe hypercortisolism and in tumor volume reduction in a patient with an ACTH‐secreting macroadenoma. The drug may be an option for long‐term treatment in some patients where control of tumor mass is an important clinical endpoint.
Experiments on High‐Temperature Inert Gas Plasma MHD Electrical Power Generation with Hall and Diagonal Connections
Authors: Komatsu Fumihiko , Tanaka Manabu , Murakami Tomoyuki , Okuno Yoshihiro 
Published: July 2015

SUMMARYHigh‐temperature inert gas (argon) plasma magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) electrical power generation using a linear shaped channel with Hall and diagonal connections has been conducted. It is revealed by observation by using a high‐speed camera that the MHD power‐generating plasma is almost entirely stable regardless of the connection type. Enthalpy extraction ratios of 5.6% for the Hall connection, 6.7% for the diagonal connection (diagonal angle 53° to 66°), and 10.1% for the diagonal connection (diagonal angle 36° to 48°) have been achieved under the operating conditions of an inlet total temperature of 9000 K, an inlet total pressure of 0.105 MPa, and a magnetic flux density of 4.0 T. The output power can suffer from a low electric field in the upstream region in a Hall connection, and is improved under the no Hall current condition in a diagonal connection.
Sensitivity Analysis for Estimating Salt‐Induced Damage to Voltage–Current Transformers due to Typhoons
Authors: Shumuta Yoshiharu , Kihara Naoto , Hattori Yasuo , Suto Hitoshi , Hirakuchi Hiromaru , Ishida Masahiro , Takemura Junzou , Nakazumi Keigo 
Published: July 2015

SUMMARYThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the correlation relationship between the salt contamination environment and the actual damage to electric power distribution equipment caused by two typhoons, 2012 typhoon No. 4 (T1204) and 2011 typhoon No. 15 (T1115). T1204 caused salt contamination damage to voltage–current transformers (VCTs), while the T1115 caused no damage to VCTs installed in a same target area. In this paper, the salt contamination environment during the two typhoons, which includes the maximum wind speed, the accumulated rainfall, and the Na flux, is evaluated by a weather reproduction simulation to discuss the causal relationship between the salt contamination environment and the VCT damage. A damage evaluation model is proposed to evaluate the salt‐induced damage risk potential of the VCT for reasonable restoration activity.
Mononuclear, Tetranuclear and 1D Polymeric Copper(I) Complexes of Large Bite Bisphosphines Containing Nitrogen and Oxygen Donor Atoms
Authors: Bhat Sajad A. , Mague Joel T. , Balakrishna Maravanji S. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe syntheses of new bisphosphines containing nitrogen and oxygen donor atoms, N,N‐bis(diphenylphosphinobenzyl)‐N‐phenylamine (PNP) (1), bis(2‐diphenylphosphinobenzyl) ether (POP) (2) and their coordination chemistry with copper(I) halides have been explored. The ligand structure plays a major role in controlling the coordination sphere and the structural features of copper(I) complexes. The reaction of 1 with CuX (X = Cl, Br, I) in 1:2 molar ratio yielded tetranuclear cuboid complexes [Cu4(μ‐X)4{C6H5N(CH2‐2‐C6H4PPh2)2}2‐P,P] (3–5), whereas the similar reactions of 2 afforded tetranuclear stair‐step type complexes [Cu4(μ2‐X)2(μ3‐X)2{O(CH2‐2‐C6H4PPh2)2}2‐P,P] (9–11). The reactions of 1 with CuX in 1:1 molar ratio afforded 1D coordination polymers [CuX{C6H5N(CH2‐2‐C6H4PPh2)2}‐P,P]n, (6–8). The reaction of CuI with 2 in a 1:1 molar ratio also yielded a tetranuclear stair‐step complex [Cu4(μ2‐I)2(μ3‐I)2{O(CH2‐2‐C6H4PPh2)2}2‐P,O,P] (12) but with tridentate P,O,P coordination along with 11, whereas the similar reaction with CuCl gave a simple mononuclear complex [CuCl{O(CH2‐2‐C6H4PPh2)2}‐P,O,P] (13). In both the complexes, the ligand 2 exhibits a tridentate mode of coordination. Many of these complexes have been structurally characterized.
Lewis Acid Catalyzed Cyclizations of Epoxidized Baylis–Hillman Products: A Straightforward Synthesis of Octahydro­benzo[e]azulenes
Authors: Konopacki Donald B. , Shortsleeves Kelley C. , Turnbull Mark M. , Wikaira Jan L. , Hobson Adrian D. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractTricyclic keto‐diols have been synthesized from 2‐cyclopenten‐1‐one in a three‐step annulation procedure. The importance of aryl ring electronics and steric contributions and the choice of Lewis acid were investigated for the final cyclization step. An unexpected cyclization product was identified, suggesting multiple mechanisms for the cyclization process.
Effects of Temperature and Catalyst Type on Chemical Degradation of Radiation Grafted Membranes in PEFCs
Authors: Zhang Z. , Buchmüller Y. , Bonorand L. , Wokaun A. , Schmidt T. J. , Gubler L. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractProton exchange membranes prepared by radiation grafting are a promising alternative material to perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid (PFSA) for fuel cell application. The temperature effect on the chemical degradation of radiation grafted membranes is evaluated by testing styrene grafted and sulfonated membranes at elevated temperatures (90 to 110 °C) and open circuit voltage (OCV) conditions. The results show that the increased temperature can markedly enhance membrane degradation, as expected, which is similar to the case of PFSA membranes. Moreover, elevated operating temperature leads to brown discoloration of the tested membrane, which may be attributed to the formation of a large conjugated π‐electron system in the membrane chemical structure. The OCV tests in which the styrene grafted membranes were tested at 80 °C with different kinds of catalyst (Pt/C and Pt black, respectively) in the gas diffusion electrodes (GDE) show that the membrane combined with Pt black GDEs exhibited a significantly lower degradation rate than that combined with Pt/C GDEs. The influence of differences in the amount of contaminants and the possibility of H2O2 formation between these two types of catalyst are put forward to explain this phenomenon.
Risk factors for 30‐day readmission among patients with culture‐positive severe sepsis and septic shock: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zilberberg Marya D. , Shorr Andrew F. , Micek Scott T. , Kollef Marin H. 
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUNDWith decreasing mortality in sepsis, attention has shifted to longer‐term consequences associated with survivorship. Thirty‐day readmission as a component of healthcare utilization is an important outcome.OBJECTIVETo examine the frequency of and risk factors for 30‐day readmission among patients surviving sepsis.DESIGNSingle‐center retrospective cohort.METHODS/SETTINGWe examined 30‐day readmission risk among survivors of hospitalization with culture‐positive severe sepsis or septic shock. Extended spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL) organisms were identified via molecular laboratory testing. Healthcare‐associated (HCA) was defined by 1 of the following: (1) recent hospitalization, (2) immune suppression, (3) nursing home residence, (4) hemodialysis, (5) prior antibiotics, and (6) index bacteremia hospital‐acquired (onset >2 days following admission). Acute kidney injury (AKI) was defined according to the RIFLE (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, End‐stage) criteria. Logistic regression modeled predictors of 30‐day readmission.RESULTSAmong 1697 sepsis survivors, 543 (32.0%) required 30‐day readmission. Readmitted patients had a higher chronic (median Charlson score 5 vs 4, P < 0.001) but not acute (median APACHE [Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation] II score 15 and 15, P = 0.275) illness burden, and higher prevalence of HCA sepsis (94.2% vs 90.2%, P = 0.014) than nonreadmitted survivors. In logistic regression, 3 factors increased (Organism: ESBL [odds ratio {OR}: 4.50, 95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.43–14.19], RIFLE: Injury or RIFLE: Failure [OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.300–2.93], and Organism: Bacteroides spp [OR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.06–3.95]) and 2 reduced (Source: Urine [OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.35–0.98], Organism: Escherichia coli [OR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.27–0.90]) the odds of 30‐day readmission.CONCLUSIONSOne‐third of survivors of severe sepsis/septic shock required 30‐day readmission. Mild‐to‐moderate AKI nearly doubled its risk. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;10:678–685. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
3D meshless simulation of laser ray deviation under thermal lensing effect
Authors: Afsari Arman , Heidari Abbasali , Movahhedi Masoud 
Published: July 2015

SummaryIn this study, one of the most important destructive effects in end‐pumped Nd:YAG laser, that is, thermal lensing is analyzed. Different partial differential equations, supplemented by suitable boundary conditions, are solved and joined to illustrate the fluctuations in laser Transverse Electromagnetic (TEM) mode. Because of no analytic demonstration of this effect, an efficient meshless method known as radial point interpolation meshless method (RPIM) is used to simulate the problem divided into two two‐dimensional cases, that is, xz and yz planes so as to be graphically understandable. The results are in good agreement with measurement reports, and the RPIM shows better accuracy than FEM. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of sperm genome decay on Day‐3 embryo chromosomal abnormalities from advanced‐maternal‐age patients
Authors: Kaarouch Ismail , Bouamoud Nouzha , Louanjli Noureddine , Madkour Aicha , Copin Henri , Benkhalifa Moncef , Sefrioui Omar 
Published: July 2015

SUMMARYInfertile male patients often exhibit unconventional semen parameters, including DNA fragmentation, chromatin dispersion, and aneuploidy—collectively referred to as sperm genome decay (SGD). We investigated the correlation of SGD to embryo chromosomal abnormalities and its effect on clinical pregnancy rates in patients with advanced maternal age (AMA) (>40 years) who were undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection‐preimplantation genetic screening (ICSI‐PGS). Three groups were assessed: patients with AMA and male partners with normal sperm (AMA‐N); AMA patients and male partners presenting with SGD (AMA‐SGD); and young fertile female patients and male partners with SGD (Y‐SGD). We found a significant increase in embryonic chromosomal abnormalities—polyploidy, nullisomy, mosaicism, and chaotic anomaly rates—when semen parameters are altered (76% vs. 67% and 66% in AMA‐SGD vs. AMA‐N and Y‐SGD groups, respectively). Statistical analysis showed a correlation between SGD and aneuploidies of embryonic chromosomes 13, 16, 21, X, and Y, as well as negative clinical outcomes. Incorporation of molecular sperm analyses should therefore significantly minimize the risk of transmission of chromosomal anomalies from spermatozoa to embryos, and may provide better predictors of pregnancy than conventional sperm analyses. We also demonstrated that an ICSI‐PGS program should be implemented for SGD patients in order to limit transmission of chromosomal paternal anomalies and to improve clinical outcome. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 809–819, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phase 1 dose de-escalation trial of the endogenous folate [6R]-5,10-methylene tetrahydrofolate in combination with fixed-dose pemetrexed as neoadjuvant therapy in patients with resectable rectal cancer
Authors: Gustavsson Bengt , Carlsson Göran , Swartling Torbjörn , Kurlberg Göran , Derwinger Kristoffer , Björkqvist Hillevi , Odin Elisabeth , Gibson Fernando 
Published: July 2015

SummaryBackground Modufolin® ([6R]-5,10-methylene tetrahydrofolate; [6R]-MTHF) is an endogenous biomodulator that is being developed as an alternative to leucovorin, a folate prodrug used in the treatment of colorectal cancer. The objective of this phase 1 dose de-escalation trial was to estimate the minimum tolerated dose of [6R]-MTHF to be used in combination with pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 in the neoadjuvant treatment of patients with rectal cancer. Methods Adult patients (≥18 years) with resectable rectal adenocarcinoma were allocated to [6R]-MTHF doses of 500, 100, 50, and 10 mg/m2 in combination with pemetrexed 500 mg/m2. [6R]-MTHF was administered as an intravenous (i.v.) bolus injection 1 week prior to the first dose of pemetrexed and then once weekly for 9 weeks; pemetrexed was administered by i.v. infusion once every 21 days for three cycles. Results Twenty-four patients (mean [SD] age, 63.1 [12.9] years) were enrolled in the study. A total of 72 treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were reported, of which the most common were fatigue (n = 17; 23.6 %), nausea (n = 10; 13.9 %), and diarrhea (n = 5; 6.9 %). The incidence of treatment-related AEs by [6R]-MTHF dose level (500, 100, 50, 10 mg/m2) was 11.1 % (n = 8), 13.9 % (n = 10), 45.8 % (n = 33), and 29.2 % (n = 21), respectively. There were no dose-limiting toxicities, and only two (2.8 %) treatment-related AEs were grade 3 in severity. Of the 11 serious AEs reported, none were considered to be related to [6R]-MTHF treatment. Conclusions The results of this phase 1 study indicate that the estimated minimum tolerated dose of [6R]-MTHF was 100 mg/m2 once weekly in combination with pemetrexed 500 mg/m2. The low toxicity profile of [6R]-MTHF supports its further evaluation as a component of systemic chemotherapy in the management of colon and rectal cancer.
FITTING MIXTURES OF ERLANGS TO CENSORED AND TRUNCATED DATA USING THE EM ALGORITHM
Authors: Verbelen Roel , Gong Lan , Antonio Katrien , Badescu Andrei , Lin Sheldon 
Published: July 2015

AbstractWe discuss how to fit mixtures of Erlangs to censored and truncated data by iteratively using the EM algorithm. Mixtures of Erlangs form a very versatile, yet analytically tractable, class of distributions making them suitable for loss modeling purposes. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated on simulated data as well as real data sets.
Irish identity and integration within the British armed forces, 1939–45
Authors: O’Connor Steven 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
During the Second World War tens of thousands of volunteers from the island of Ireland served in the British armed forces. This article will examine the effect of an Irish background on the volunteers’ experience of the British forces. It will explore the ways in which the military authorities facilitated and encouraged the development of a pluralist Irish identity. In doing so the article will demonstrate how the volunteers’ ideas of Irishness were influenced by British perceptions and it will assess to what extent volunteers from North and South really shared a common Irish identity. The article will also place the Irish experience of the British forces in the context of a multinational army incorporating personnel from, among others, Scotland, Wales, the dominions and Poland.