bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On Monetary Policy and Stock Market Anomalies
Authors: Kontonikas Alexandros , Kostakis Alexandros 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis study utilizes a macro‐based VAR framework to investigate whether stock portfolios formed on the basis of their value, size and past performance characteristics are affected in a different manner by unexpected US monetary policy actions during the period 1967–2007. Full sample results show that value, small capitalization and past loser stocks are more exposed to monetary policy shocks compared with growth, big capitalization and past winner stocks. Sub‐sample analysis, motivated by variation in the realized premia and parameter instability, reveals that the impact of monetary policy shocks on these portfolios is significant and pronounced only during the pre‐1983 period.
Book‐to‐Market Equity, Asset Correlations and the Basel Capital Requirement
Authors: Lee Shih‐Cheng , Lin Chien‐Ting , Yu Min‐Teh 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis paper examines the effect of book‐to‐market equity (BE/ME) on asset correlations under the Basel capital requirement. We find that BE/ME captures variations in asset correlations after controlling for firm size, default probability and industry effects from 1987 to 2011. Obligors with higher BE/ME exhibit lower asset correlations compared to those with lower BE/ME. Decomposing BE/ME into assets‐in‐place and growth options based on the asset pricing literature shows that obligors with more assets‐in‐place or more fixed assets have higher BE/ME and lower asset correlations than those with more growth options. Overall, our findings suggest that BE/ME is an additional important factor that may improve the estimates of asset correlations and thereby banks’ capital adequacy.
Debt Financing and Earnings Management: An Internal Capital Market Perspective
Authors: Wang Hong‐Da , Lin Chan‐Jane 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis paper investigates the role internal capital markets play in mitigating earnings management of group firms. We predict that the funding advantages of internal capital markets from business affiliates obscure solvency problems resulting from higher leverage for individual firms within a group, which in turn mitigates their incentives for earnings management. Using Taiwanese firms as a sample, we provide evidence that is consistent with such a prediction. In particular, we show that higher group profitability reduces its member firms’ sensitivity of earnings management to debt levels. Among business groups, earnings management in pyramidal groups is less sensitive to debt levels. We also find that the debt‐abnormal accrual curve becomes smoother as group profitability increases when considering the non‐monotonic relationship between firm leverage and earnings management.
Dimensionless Numbers of Structural and Process Similitude of a Whirlpool Hot Trub Separator
Authors: Diakun Jaroslaw , Jakubowski Marek 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe paper presents an application of a dimension similitude theory in an analysis of the flow in a hot trub separator. It presents a procedure for derivation of dimensionless numbers based on a comprehensive analysis of all the forces occurring during fluid flow in a whirlpool. A combination of quotients of elementary forces has allowed to attain the dimensionless numbers. Among them, there are well‐known numbers such as the Reynolds and Strouhal numbers, and there is also one original number. Modifications of these numbers have been derived to describe process conditions characteristic for the flow in the whirlpool. Dimensionless numbers relating to the time and the secondary flow parameters occurring at the bottom of the tank have been highlighted. General forms of functions of the dimensionless numbers have been proposed for calculating the time of the whirling motion and the parameters of the flow that form the sediment cone.Practical ApplicationsTo this point, designing and assembling whirlpools has not incorporated the knowledge coming from analysis of flows inside the tank occurring during the process of separation.All the information introduced by this publication may contribute to the improvement in designing tanks such as whirlpool.Presented similarity numbers allow for scaling flow phenomena occurring in a cycling vat.
Peripancreatic tuberculous lymphadenopathy masquerading as pancreatic malignancy: A single‐center experience
Authors: Kim Ji‐Beom , Lee Sang Soo , Kim Sung‐Han , Byun Jae Ho , Park Do Hyun , Lee Tae Yoon , Lee Byung Uk , Jeong Seung Uk , Seo Dong‐Wan , Lee Sung Koo , Kim Myung‐Hwan 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackground and AimPeripancreatic tuberculous lymphadenopathy is very rare and can be misdiagnosed with pancreatic or peripancreatic malignancies. The clinical characteristics and treatment outcome have not been well known. Herein, we investigated the accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA), clinical features, and treatment outcomes.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 42 patients diagnosed with peripancreatic tuberculosis between December 2004 and January 2011 at the tertiary care hospital in Korea.ResultsMedian age was 36 years (interquartile range, 30–55), and female was 66.7% (28/42). Nineteen patients (45.2%) had no symptoms, while the others had non‐specific various symptoms. Thirteen (31.0%) had a previous history of tuberculosis. Initial impressions of the mass were pancreatic cancer in 14 (33.3%) and tuberculous lymphadenopathy in 13 patients (31.0%). EUS‐FNA was performed in all 42 patients, with a diagnostic yield of pathologic examinations in 80.5%, polymerase chain reaction for tuberculosis in 42.9%, culture in 47.4%, and acid‐fast bacilli staining in 10.0%. Tuberculosis is confirmed in 28 (66.7%), and probable tuberculosis in 14 (33.3%). All patients received anti‐tuberculosis treatment, a 6‐months regimen in 12 (28.6%) and a 9‐months regimen in 28 (66.7%). Treatment response evaluated in 35 patients (83.3%) by computed tomography criteria showed complete response in 10 patients (28.6%), partial response in 23 (65.7%), stable disease in 1 (2.9%), and progressive disease in 1 (2.9%).ConclusionsPeripancreatic tuberculous lymphadenopathy is frequently mistaken for pancreatic malignancy. EUS‐FNA can be helpful for an accurate diagnosis. Complete resolution of the lesion, however, was not common on following imaging study after treatment.
Higher adherence with 3‐year entecavir treatment than lamivudine or telbivudine in treatment‐naïve Taiwanese patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Chien Rong‐Nan , Peng Cheng‐Yuan , Kao Jia‐Horng , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Lin Chun‐Che , Hu Chi‐Tan , Chen Chi‐Yi , Hsieh Tsai‐Yuan , Lin Han‐Chieh , Chuang Wan‐Long ,   Taiwan NA‐Registry Group
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackground and AimsOral nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) are effective in suppressing hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in treatment naïve chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. However, little is known about the treatment modification and adherence on such patients with prolonged NA treatment.MethodsIn this multicenter observational study, a total of 600 NA‐naïve Taiwanese CHB patients aged 16 years and older were enrolled. The 600 patients were retrospectively identified by their NA treatment history from August 2008 to July 2009; this cohort was prospectively followed up over 3 years. During the 3‐year period, incidence of treatment modifications, reasons for modification, and rate of adherence were evaluated.ResultsAmong the 583 evaluable patients, the initial NA treatment included entecavir (ETV) in 468 patients, telbivudine (LdT) in 67, and lamivudine (LVD) in 48. During the 3‐year treatment, 9.0% of ETV‐treated patients, 38.8% of LdT‐treated patients, and 54.2% of LVD‐treated patients had treatment modification. The main reasons for treatment modification were fulfilling stopping criteria in the ETV group (40.5%) and virological breakthrough in both the LdT (61.5%) and LVD (46.2%) groups. The proportion of patients with adherence rate (> 90%) at year 3 was 90.8% in the ETV group, 83.9% in the LdT group, and 83.9% in the LVD group.ConclusionsTreatment‐naïve CHB patients with a 3‐year ETV treatment in Taiwan have the lower likelihood of treatment modification and better rate of adherence compared with those with LdT or LVD treatment.
Duodenal eosinophilia and early satiety in functional dyspepsia: Confirmation of a positive association in an Australian cohort
Authors: Walker Marjorie M , Aggarwal Kavita R , Shim Lisa SE , Bassan Milan , Kalantar Jamshid S , Weltman Martin D , Jones Michael , Powell Nicholas , Talley Nicholas J 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackground and AimFunctional dyspepsia (FD), defined by unexplained pain or discomfort centered in the upper abdomen, is common. Diagnosis and treatment of FD based on the symptom‐based Rome criteria remains challenging. Recently, eosinophilia in the duodenum has been implicated in the pathophysiology of FD in adults, specifically increased eosinophils in early satiety and postprandial distress, but the association remains controversial. The aim of this study was to characterize upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract pathology, specifically duodenal eosinophilia, in an Australian cohort of patients with FD.MethodsPatients prospectively referred for an upper GI endoscopy (n = 55; mean age, 49.6 years; 61.8% female) were stratified to FD cases (n = 33) and controls (n = 22) using Rome II criteria. All subjects completed a validated bowel symptom questionnaire. The eosinophil count per square millimeter in the duodenal bulb (D1) and second part (D2) was assessed and Helicobacter pylori status determined by gastric histology. Associations with clinical symptoms were assessed.ResultsCases and controls were demographically similar. Duodenal eosinophilia was significantly increased in subjects experiencing early satiety (P = 0.01) and postprandial fullness (P = 0.001). This association was seen in D2 but not D1. Abdominal pain was associated with eosinophilia in both D1 (P = 0.02) and D2 (P = 0.005). Smoking was also associated with higher eosinophil counts in D2 (P = 0.007) and symptoms of early satiety (P = 0.02).ConclusionsDuodenal eosinophilia occurs in a subset of FD. The potential role of duodenal eosinophils in FD has implications for diagnosis and therapeutic trials.
Thalamic synaptic transmission of sensory information modulated by synergistic interaction of adenosine and serotonin
Authors: Yang Ya‐Chin , Hu Chun‐Chang , Huang Chen‐Syuan , Chou Pei‐Yu 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe thalamic synapses relay peripheral sensory information to the cortex, and constitute an important part of the thalamocortical network that generates oscillatory activities responsible for different vigilance (sleep and wakefulness) states. However, the modulation of thalamic synaptic transmission by potential sleep regulators, especially by combination of regulators in physiological scenarios, is not fully characterized. We found that somnogen adenosine itself acts similar to wake‐promoting serotonin, both decreasing synaptic strength as well as short‐term depression, at the retinothalamic synapse. We then combined the two modulators considering the coexistence of them in the hypnagogic (sleep‐onset) state. Adenosine plus serotonin results in robust synergistic inhibition of synaptic strength and dramatic transformation of short‐term synaptic depression to facilitation. These synaptic effects are not achievable with a single modulator, and are consistent with a high signal‐to‐noise ratio but a low level of signal transmission through the thalamus appropriate for slow‐wave sleep. This study for the first time demonstrates that the sleep‐regulatory modulators may work differently when present in combination than present singly in terms of shaping information flow in the thalamocortical network. The major synaptic characters such as the strength and short‐term plasticity can be profoundly altered by combination of modulators based on physiological considerations.
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Mimicking a scenario of the sleep‐onset state, we found that wake‐promoting serotonin and local somnogen adenosine interact to produce robust inhibition of synaptic transmission and reverse the short‐term synaptic plasticity from depression to facilitation in the sensory thalamus, effects not achievable by one modulator alone but consistent with the expected electrophysiological characteristics at sleep. Thus, the relay of information through the thalamus can be finely tuned in a vigilance state‐dependent context‐specific manner by neuromodulators from both distant and local sources.
The anatomy of the caudal zona incerta in rodents and primates
Authors: Watson Charles , Lind Christopher R. P. , Thomas Meghan G. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThe caudal zona incerta is the target of a recent modification of established procedures for deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's disease and tremor. The caudal zona incerta contains a number of neuronal populations that are distinct in terms of their cytoarchitecture, connections, and pattern of immunomarkers and is located at a position where a number of major tracts converge before turning toward their final destination in the forebrain. However, it is not clear which of the anatomical features of the region are related to its value as a target for DBS. This paper has tried to identify features that distinguish the caudal zona incerta of rodents (mouse and rat) and primates (marmoset, rhesus monkey, and human) from the remainder of the zona incerta. We studied cytoarchitecture, anatomical relationships, the pattern of immunomarkers, and gene expression in both of these areas. We found that the caudal zona incerta has a number of histological and gene expression characteristics that distinguish it from the other subdivisions of the zona incerta. Of particular note are the sparse population of GABA neurons and the small but distinctive population of calbindin neurons. We hope that a clearer appreciation of the anatomy of the region will in the end assist the interpretation of cases in which DBS is used in human patients.
Using Social‐Emotional and Character Development to Improve Academic Outcomes: A Matched‐Pair, Cluster‐Randomized Controlled Trial in Low‐Income, Urban Schools
Authors: Bavarian Niloofar , Lewis Kendra M. , DuBois David L. , Acock Alan , Vuchinich Samuel , Silverthorn Naida , Snyder Frank J. , Day Joseph , Ji Peter , Flay Brian R. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDSchool‐based social‐emotional and character development (SECD) programs can influence not only SECD but also academic‐related outcomes. This study evaluated the impact of one SECD program, Positive Action (PA), on educational outcomes among low‐income, urban youth.METHODSThe longitudinal study used a matched‐pair, cluster‐randomized controlled design. Student‐reported disaffection with learning and academic grades, and teacher ratings of academic ability and motivation were assessed for a cohort followed from grades 3 to 8. Aggregate school records were used to assess standardized test performance (for entire school, cohort, and demographic subgroups) and absenteeism (entire school). Multilevel growth‐curve analyses tested program effects.RESULTSPA significantly improved growth in academic motivation and mitigated disaffection with learning. There was a positive impact of PA on absenteeism and marginally significant impact on math performance of all students. There were favorable program effects on reading for African American boys and cohort students transitioning between grades 7 and 8, and on math for girls and low‐income students.CONCLUSIONSA school‐based SECD program was found to influence academic outcomes among students living in low‐income, urban communities. Future research should examine mechanisms by which changes in SECD influence changes in academic outcomes.
Abstinence‐Related Word Associations and Definitions of Abstinence and Virginity Among Missouri High School Freshmen
Authors: Wilson Kelly L. , Smith Matthew Lee , Menn Mindy 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThe ways in which adolescents define and view sex, abstinence, and virginity impact the efforts of sexuality educators and sexual health professionals. This study examined terminology used by nonsexually active high school students to define abstinence and virginity and identified words students associate with these terms. Purposes included (1) describing words/phrases associated with abstinence; (2) describing phrases for “being abstinent until marriage” and “being a virgin;” (3) assessing concordance between word dyads associated with abstinence; and (4) assessing concordance between phrases defining “abstinent until marriage” and “a virgin.”METHODSIn this study, 216 freshmen provided information about beliefs, behaviors, and perceptions. Pearson chi‐square tests and Wilcoxon sign‐rank tests assessed sex‐based differences, definitions, and levels of concordance were conducted.RESULTSGirls' friends took an abstinence pledge (p = .004) and their parents (p = .025) and best friends (p < .001) think they should abstain. Male counterparts reported being dissatisfied with current sex status (p = .002) and high acceptance of sex before marriage (p = .011). Boys were more likely to endorse “negative” words than girls.CONCLUSIONSProfessionals need to use relevant materials incorporating terminology that resonates with adolescents and programs that engage coherent participant discussions.
Waist‐to‐Height Ratio and Body Mass Index as Indicators of Cardiovascular Risk in Youth
Authors: Keefer Daniel J. , Caputo Jennifer L. , Tseh Wayland 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThe purpose of this investigation was to determine if waist‐to‐height ratio (WHTR) or body mass index (BMI) is the better indicator of cardiovascular disease risk in children and adolescents of varying ages.METHODSData from children and adolescents (N = 2300) who were part of the 2003‐2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed. Chi‐square analyses (2 × 2) were used to compare risk levels of WHTR (>0.50) and BMI (>85th percentile) to systolic blood pressure (SBP) (>90th percentile) as well as total cholesterol (TC) (>200 mg.dL−1) for the entire cohort and specified age groups.RESULTSSignificant relationships were detected between SBP and WHTR and BMI, respectively, for the entire cohort as well as the 2 oldest subsamples. A significant association was also noted for both WHTR and BMI to TC for the entire sample and the eldest age group.CONCLUSIONSA significant association was observed between indicators of cardiovascular health risk and both WHTR and BMI in the entire NHANES cohort of boys and girls as well as in the older age groups. The younger groups of participants did not display a notable link between these cardiovascular indicators and WHTR or BMI.
Evaluation of School Tobacco‐Free Policies in a Rural Northern Plains State
Authors: Fahrenwald Nancy L. , Kerkvliet Jennifer L. , Carson Paula , Lammers Cristina , Melstad Sandra , Dugstad DeEtta , McCord Jim 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has called for tobacco‐free school (TFS) policies. In South Dakota (SD), a rural state with a large American Indian population, collaboration between state agencies focused on development and dissemination of a model TFS policy in 2008. This study explored the current status of TFS policies in statewide SD school districts.METHODSTobacco policies were requested from all SD school district administrators. A 26‐point checklist based on CDC TFS policy guidelines was used to evaluate policies. Follow‐up interviews were conducted with selected superintendents.RESULTSPolicies were received from 144 of 217 districts (66% response). Participation was higher for public districts than tribal/Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) districts and nonpublic districts. The overall mean policy score was 11.6 (SD 5.1). Public school districts had the highest mean (12.3) followed by nonpublic (8.9) and tribal/BIE (7.5). In a subset of districts with a large American Indian population (>30%), policy scores were lower for those located on reservation or tribal lands compared with other locations. Barriers to policy development were identified as time and staff expertise.CONCLUSIONSThere is a need to improve statewide TFS policies. A district report card with recommendations for improvement and a resource guide were developed and disseminated.
Seronegative hepatitis C virus infection in patients with lymphoproliferative disorders
Authors: Kisiel E. , Radkowski M. , Pawelczyk A. , Horban A. , Stanczak J. , Bukowska‐Ośko I. , Caraballo Cortes K. , Kaźmierczak J. , Popiel M. , Laskus T. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryIt has been reported that hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA may be present in serum and/or lymphoid cells in the absence of specific circulating antibodies. The current study analysed seronegative HCV infection in patients with lymphoproliferative disorders. We studied 77 anti‐HCV‐negative patients (45 male and 32 female, mean age 54.8 ± 14.2 years) with various lymphoproliferative disorders. HCV‐RNA was detected by RT‐PCR in plasma, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and bone marrow. Furthermore, the presence of viral nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) was determined in PBMC and bone marrow by immunostaining. HCV‐RNA was detectable in at least one compartment in 27 (35.1%) patients. Viral RNA was found in bone marrow in 22 patients (28.6%), in PBMC in 13 (16.9%) and in plasma in 10 (13%) patients. In nine patients, evidence of infection was confined to the bone marrow compartment. Viral load in HCV‐RNA‐positive plasma ranged from 15 to 1.17 × 103 IU/mL. NS3 was detected in all but two HCV‐RNA‐positive bone marrow samples and in all but one HCV‐RNA‐positive PBMC samples. All 27 HCV‐RNA‐positive patients remained anti‐HCV‐negative when tested again after 6–12 months, but only four remained HCV‐RNA positive. In conclusion, among patients with lymphoproliferative disorders, HCV can be present in plasma, PBMC and bone marrow despite the lack of circulating specific antibodies. Further studies are required to analyse the phenomenon of seronegative infection and to determine whether such patients are infectious.
Morphological characteristics and developmental changes of the ovary in the tick Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann
Authors: YANG X. L. , YU Z. J. , GAO Z. H. , YANG X. H. , LIU J. Z. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractHaemaphysalis longicornis (Ixodida: Ixodidae) is an important vector of transovarially transmitted parasites of the genus Babesia (Piroplasmida: Babesiidae). In the present study, we investigated the morphological characteristics and developmental changes of the ovary of H. longicornis. We show that the ovary of H. longicornis has a single tubular structure and is surrounded by a tunica propria. There is a longitudinal groove along one side of the ovary. During feeding and after engorgement, great changes can be observed in the ovary of H. longicornis and two rapid growth phases can be detected. The number of major protein bands of the ovary is significantly increased from day 3 of feeding and reaches a maximum on the day of engorgement. Therefore, the great diversity of proteins in the ovaries of H. longicornis can facilitate the identification of new targets for vaccine development.