bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are analysts' cash flow forecasts useful?
Authors: Jung Sung Hwan 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis study provides evidence that the cost of equity capital decreases with the number of analysts who issue both cash flow and earnings forecasts (cash analysts). The evidence also shows that cash analysts reduce information asymmetry and predict long‐term earnings more accurately than analysts who issue only earnings forecasts. Taken together, these findings suggest that cash analysts provide market participants with high‐quality information and, as a result, firms benefit from cash analyst coverage in the form of a reduced cost of equity capital.
Role of morality in the experience of guilt and shame within the armed forces
Authors: Nazarov A. , Jetly R. , McNeely H. , Kiang M. , Lanius R. , McKinnon M. C. 
Published: March 2015

ObjectiveDespite advances in our understanding of mental health issues among military forces, a large proportion of military personnel continue to exhibit deployment‐related psychological issues. Recent work has identified symptoms of guilt and shame related to moral injury as contributing significantly to combat‐related mental health issues. This systematic scoping review explores the association between morality and symptoms of guilt and shame within military forces.MethodA search of the literature pertaining to guilt, shame and morality within military samples was conducted.ResultsNineteen articles were selected for review. There is strong evidence linking exposure to and the perceived perpetration of moral transgressions with experiences of guilt and shame. Critically, symptoms of guilt and shame were related to adverse mental health outcomes, particularly the onset of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). No studies have explored moral judgment in conjunction with assessments of guilt or moral injury.ConclusionThese findings have important implications for the prevention and treatment ofPTSD‐related symptoms in military samples. By measuring moral judgment prior to deployment, it may be possible to predict the likelihood of incurring moral injuries and the development of associated symptoms. Early intervention programmes aimed at ameliorating guilt and shame are required to prevent the long‐term development of deployment‐related psychological distress.
A Comparison of Bayesian and Frequentist Interval Estimators in Regression that Utilize Uncertain Prior Information
Authors: Kabaila Paul , Dharmarathne Gayan 
Published: March 2015

SummaryConsider a linear regression model with independent normally distributed errors. Suppose that the scalar parameter of interest is a specified linear combination of the components of the regression parameter vector. Also suppose that we have uncertain prior information that a distinct specified linear combination of these components takes the value zero. We provide succinct and informative descriptions of interval estimators for the parameter of interest using the new concepts of scaled offset and scaled half‐length. We describe the Bayesian equi‐tailed and shortest credible intervals for the parameter of interest that result from a prior density for the parameter about which we have uncertain prior information that is a mixture of a rectangular ‘slab’ and a Dirac delta function ‘spike’, combined with noninformative prior densities for the other parameters of the model. This prior belongs to the class of ‘slab and spike’ priors, which have been used for Bayesian variable selection. We compare these credible intervals with Kabaila and Giri's frequentist confidence interval for the parameter of interest that utilizes this uncertain prior information. We show that these frequentist and Bayesian interval estimators depend on the data in very different ways. We also consider some close variants of this prior distribution that lead to Bayesian and frequentist interval estimators with greater similarity. Nonetheless, as we show, substantial differences between these interval estimators remain.
Three‐Dimensional Simulation of Mass Transfer in Artificial Kidneys
Authors: Ding Weiping , Li Weili , Sun Sijie , Zhou Xiaoming , Hardy Peter A. , Ahmad Suhail , Gao Dayong 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIn this work, the three‐dimensional velocity and concentration fields on both the blood and dialysate sides in an artificial kidney were simulated, taking into account the effects of the flow profiles induced by the inlet and outlet geometrical structures and the interaction between the flows of blood and dialysate. First, magnetic resonance imaging experiments were performed to validate the mathematical model. Second, the effects of the flow profiles induced by the blood and dialysate inlet and outlet geometrical structures on mass transfer were theoretically investigated. Third, the clearance of toxins was compared with the clearance value calculated by a simple model that is based on the ideal flow profiles on both the blood and dialysate sides. Our results show that as the blood flow rate increases, the flow field on the blood side becomes less uniform; however, as the dialysate flow rate increases, the flow field on the dialysate side becomes more uniform. The effect of the inlet and outlet geometrical structures of the dialysate side on the velocity and concentration fields is more significant than that of the blood side. Due to the effects of the flow profiles induced by the inlet and outlet geometrical structures, the true clearance of toxins is lower than the ideal clearance, especially when the dialysate flow rate is low or the blood flow rate is high. The results from this work are significant for the structural optimization of artificial kidneys and the accurate prediction of toxin clearance.
Supporting teachers in data‐informed educational design
Authors: McKenney Susan , Mor Yishay 
Published: March 2015

AbstractRecent years have seen a growing recognition of the value of positioning teaching as a design science. In this context, we see a great potential in the possible synergy between educational design, learning analytics and teacher inquiry. This synergy is demonstrated in the form of Computer Supported Curriculum Analysis, Design and Evaluation for Science Education in Africa (CASCADE‐SEA), a computer‐based support tool that assists teachers in creating exemplary lesson materials for secondary level science and mathematics in southern Africa. The purpose of the present study is to articulate how teachers might be supported in the synergistic processes that are integral to educational design. It does so by revisiting existing data collected during the design, development and evaluation of CASCADE‐SEA, and sharing the results of a retrospective analysis in light of recent developments in learning analytics, learning design and teacher inquiry. The retrospective analysis revealed insights related to each of the aforementioned themes. For learning analytics, those were social structures of learning and teaching practices; pedagogy‐driven collection and analysis of data; and the use of data to inform teaching and learning. For learning design, the findings pertained to the language, practices and tools used to achieve particular educational aims. For teacher inquiry, the findings relate to the empirical process of question formulation, methods selection, collection and analysis of data, and sharing/reflecting on the findings as well as overall process. Based on the retrospective analysis, design considerations are offered for a modern application to replace the practical and effective desktop software that was developed during the 1990s.
Basin and petroleum system modelling of the East Coast Basin, New Zealand: a test of overpressure scenarios in a convergent margin
Authors: Burgreen‐Chan Blair , Meisling Kristian E. , Graham Stephan 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIn the East Coast Basin (ECB), an active convergent margin of the North Island, New Zealand, the smectite‐rich Eocene Wanstead Formation forms an effective regional seal, creating high overpressure in the underlying Cretaceous through Palaeocene units due to disequilibrium compaction. This study examines the evolution of pore pressure and porosity in Hawke Bay of the ECB based on stepwise structural reconstruction of a stratigraphic and structural framework derived from interpretation of a regional two‐dimensional seismic line. This framework is incorporated into a basin and petroleum system model to predict the generation, distribution, and dissipation of overpressure, and examine the influence of faults, erosion, structural thickening, and seal effectiveness of the Wanstead Formation on pore pressure evolution. We find that natural hydraulic fracturing is likely occurring in sub‐Wanstead source rocks, which makes it a favourable setting for potential shale gas plays. We use poroelastic modelling to investigate the impact of horizontal bulk shortening due to tectonic compression on pore pressure and the relative order of principal stresses. We find that shortening modestly increases pore pressure. When 5% or greater shortening occurs, the horizontal stress may approach and exceed vertical stress in the last 4 Myr of the basin's history. Shortening impacts both the magnitude and relative order of principal stresses through geological time. Due to the overpressured nature of the basin, we suggest that subtle changes in stress regime are responsible for the significant changes in structural deformational styles observed, enabling compressional, extensional, and strike‐slip fault regimes to all occur during the tectonic history and, at times, simultaneously.
Cadmium‐coordinated supramolecule suppresses tumor growth of T‐cell leukemia in mice
Authors: Zhou Xiaoping , Koizumi Yukio , Zhang Muxin , Natsui Miyuki , Koyota Souichi , Yamada Manabu , Kondo Yoshihiko , Hamada Fumio , Sugiyama Toshihiro 
Published: March 2015

Cadmium is a toxic pollutant with occupational and environmental significance, due to its diverse toxic effects. Supramolecules that conjugate and decontaminate toxic metals have potential for use in treatment of cadmium intoxication. In addition, metal‐coordinating ability has been postulated to contribute to the cytotoxic effects of anti‐tumor agents such as cisplatin or bleomycin. Thiacalixarenes, cyclic oligomers of p‐alkylphenol bridged by sulfur atoms, are supramolecules known to have potent coordinating ability to metal ions. In this study, we show that cadmium‐coordinated thiacalix[4]arene tetrasulfate (TC4ATS‐Cd) exhibits an anti‐proliferative effect against T‐cell leukemia cells. Cadmium exhibited cytotoxicity with IC50 values ranging from 36 to 129 μM against epithelia‐derived cancer cell lines, while TC4ATS‐Cd elicited no significant cytotoxicity (IC50 > 947 μM). However, a number of T‐cell leukemia cell lines exhibited marked sensitivity to TC4ATS‐Cd. In Jurkat cells, toxicity of TC4ATS‐Cd occurred with an IC50 of 6.9 μM, which is comparable to that of 6.5 μM observed for cadmium alone. TC4ATS‐Cd induced apoptotic cell death through activation of caspase‐3 in Jurkat cells. In a xenograft model, TC4ATS‐Cd (13 mg/kg) treatment significantly suppressed the tumor growth of Jurkat cells in mice. In addition, TC4ATS‐Cd‐treated mice exhibited significantly less cadmium accumulation in liver and kidney compared to equimolar cadmium‐treated mice. These results suggest that cadmium‐coordinated supramolecules may have therapeutic potential for treatment of T‐cell leukemia.
Placement characteristics and stability: a longitudinal analysis of Norwegian children in foster homes
Authors: Angel Bjørn Øystein , Blekesaune Morten 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis paper investigates how enhanced support for foster parents, such as covering fees and providing consultants and relief, may reduce the number of replacements experienced by children in foster care. It also investigates the extent to which replacements are associated with family (kin) vs. non‐family foster parents, or with legal characteristics of the placement (i.e. forced administrative decisions vs. relief measures agreed upon by the parents). Statistical analyses of administrative data from Norway investigated the longitudinal relationships between these characteristics and the number of replacements at two levels – children (N = 16 109) and municipalities (N = 418) – over 5 years (2007–2011). The results reveal modest associations between enhanced support and fewer replacements; for example, replacement rates are lower for children placed in homes of kin than in non‐family homes. Replacements also tend to be fewer when the placement is forced rather than consensual.
Atrial Septal Aneurysms and Supraventricular Arrhythmias: The Role of Atrial Electromechanical Delay
Authors: Russo Vincenzo , Rago Anna , Di Meo Federica , Papa Andrea Antonio , Ciardiello Carmine , Cristiano Anna , Calabrò Raffaele , Russo Maria Giovanna , Nigro Gerardo 
Published: March 2015

BackgroundParoxysmal supraventricular arrhythmias (SVAs) frequently occur in patients with atrial septal aneurysm (ASA). The aim of the current study was to evaluate the electrocardiographic (P‐wave duration and dispersion) and echocardiographic (atrial electromechanical delay, AEMD) noninvasive indicators of atrial conduction heterogeneity in healthy ASA subjects without interatrial shunt and to assess the AEMD role in predicting the SVAs onset in this population.Materials and MethodsOne hundered ASA patients (41 males, mean age of 32.5 ± 8 years) and 100 healthy subjects used as controls, matched for age and gender, were studied for the occurrence of SVAs during a 4‐year follow‐up, through 30‐day external loop recorder (ELR) monitoring performed every 3 months. ASAs were diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography based on the criteria of a minimal aneurismal base of ≥15 mm and an excursion of ≥10 mm. Intra‐AEMD and inter‐AEMD of both atria were measured through tissue Doppler echocardiography. P‐wave dispersion (PD) was carefully measured using 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG).ResultsCompared to the healthy control group, the ASA group showed a statistically significant increase in inter‐AEMD, intra‐left AEMD, maximum P‐wave duration, and PD. Dividing the ASA group into 2 subgroups (patients with or without SVAs), the inter‐AEMD, intra‐left AEMD, P max, and PD were significantly higher in the subgroup with SVAs compared to the subgroup without SVAs. There were significant good correlations of intra‐left AEMD and inter‐AEMD with PD. A cutoff value of 40.1 msec for intra‐left AEMD had a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 83% in identifying ASA patients at risk for SVA.ConclusionOur results showed that the echocardiographic AEMD indices (intra‐left and inter‐AEMD) and the PD were significantly increased in healthy ASA subjects without interatrial shunt. PD and AEMD represent noninvasive, inexpensive, useful, and simple parameters to assess the SVAs' risk in ASA patients.
Four‐Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Orta Kilickesmez Kadriye , Baydar Onur , Bostan Cem , Coskun Ugur , Kucukoglu Serdar 
Published: March 2015

ObjectiveAbnormal left ventricular (LV) deformational mechanics have been demonstrated in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) using two‐dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography, but there is not enough information about the four‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (4DSTE) in these patients. The objective of the study was to identify and quantify the left ventricular contractility in patients with HCM using 4DSTE.MethodsThirty patients [age, 54.6 ± 12.1 years; 12 (40%) women] with diagnosis of nonobstructive HCM and 20 healthy controls [age, 47.42 ± 11.43 years; 8 (40%) women] underwent 4DSTE measurement of longitudinal, radial, circumferential, and area strains.ResultsPatients with HCM showed lower longitudinal (−13.5% vs. −20.3%, P < 0.001) and radial (33.4% vs. 43.6%, P < 0.001) strain, but higher circumferential (−22.7% vs. −15.9%, P < 0.001) and area (−30.7% vs. −22.1%, P < 0.001) strain than control subjects. Peak LV twist showed significantly higher values in patients with HCM (13.7 ± 5.3 vs. 11.3 ± 4.8, P < 0.005).ConclusionsPatients with HCM have reduced longitudinal and radial strain but increased circumferential and area strain on 4DSTE. These results are found appropriate with previous 2DSTE studies. Thus, 4DSTE is useful to determine LV deformational mechanics.
Occult hepatitis B among patients with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis from a capital city in northeast Brazil
Authors: Fontenele Andrea Martins Melo , Gainer Juliana Braga Furtado , da Silva e Silva Daniel Viana , Cruz Santos Max Diego , Salgado João Victor , Salgado Filho Natalino , Ferreira Adalgisa Sousa Paiva 
Published: March 2015

AbstractOccult hepatitis B (OHB) is characterized by the presence of HBV‐DNA in the absence of HBsAg in the serum of patients. Hemodialysis patients are at high risk for hepatitis B virus and there are few data on the prevalence of OHB in this population, mainly in Brazil. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of OHB in patients undergoing hemodialysis. A cross‐sectional study was performed, including 301 patients on chronic hemodialysis at two dialysis centers in São Luís (Maranhão), northeast Brazil. Serological tests were performed for HBsAg, anti‐HBc, anti‐HBs, and anti‐HCV using enzyme immunoassays (ELISA); HBV‐DNA and HCV‐RNA were studied by real‐time PCR. The mean age was 49 ± 15 years, and 128 (42%) were female. Serological tests confirmed that all samples were HBsAg negative. Anti‐HBc was positive in 114 (38%) patients, anti‐HBc and anti‐HBs were simultaneously positive in 104 (35%), and anti‐HBc alone was positive in 10 (3%). Tests were negative for anti‐HBc and anti‐HBs in 55 patients (18%). Anti‐HBs was the only positive marker in 132 (44%) patients. Anti‐HCV was positive in 15 (5%) patients with HCV‐RNA present in 14 of them (93%). HBV‐DNA was positive in seven cases (2.3%). There was no association of HBV‐DNA with age, gender, time on dialysis, previous kidney transplant, or HBV serological pattern, but there was a positive correlation with the presence of anti‐HCV (P < 0.001). OHB in chronic renal failure patients on hemodialysis appears to be a relevant finding, suggesting that studying HBV‐DNA in this population using sensitive molecular tests should be a recommended course of action, especially in candidates for renal transplant.
Aneusomy detected by fluorescence in‐situ hybridization has high positive predictive value for Barrett's dysplasia
Authors: Allan Euan A G , Miller Roy , Going James J 
Published: March 2015

AimsThe goal of this study was to pilot a commercial four‐colour fluorescence in‐situ hybridization (FISH) probe set as a marker of dysplasia in surveillance biopsies.Methods and resultsFISH probes to 9p12 (CDKN2A), 17q11.2‐12 (HER2), 8q24.12‐13 (CMYC) and 20q13.2 (ZNF217) in 20 cases of Barrett's oesophagus. Dysplastic and non‐dysplastic mucosa were compared for each case. Two observers independently counted 50 cells in each region of interest (ROI), and the mean score taken. Wilcoxon's signed‐rank test was used to determine the significance of differences between dysplastic and non‐dysplastic tissue. Predictive power was determined by logistic regression and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to examine sensitivity and specificity of each gene to detect dysplasia. Interobserver agreement was excellent. HER2, CMYC and ZNF217 showed significant (P < 0.0005) increases in copy number in dysplastic mucosa; CDKN2A had an insignificant (P = 0.852) decrease when compared to non‐dysplastic mucosa. While aneusomy was strongly predictive of dysplasia, eusomy did not rule it out.ConclusionsIncreased HER2, CMYC and ZNF217 copy number distinguished dysplastic from non‐dysplastic mucosa, but non‐detection of aneusomy did not exclude dysplasia. Further studies are justified to determine whether FISH‐positive dysplasia might justify earlier treatment by radio‐frequency ablation.
Risk factors for secondary caries in direct composite restorations in primary teeth
Authors: Metz Isabel , Rothmaier Katrin , Pitchika Vinay , Crispin Alexander , Hickel Reinhard , Garcia‐Godoy Franklin , Bücher Katharina , Kühnisch Jan 
Published: March 2015

BackgroundSecondary caries or caries adjacent to restorations is the most frequent reason for replacement of dental restorations. Though, limited data is available on variables influencing the development of secondary caries in primary teeth.AimTo investigate risk factors for the development of secondary caries adjacent to direct composite restorations in primary teeth.DesignFor this retrospective study, data of 2417 composite restorations, which were placed due to primary carious lesions, were considered. A total of 212 restorations failed due to secondary caries within a maximum observation period of 8 years. A control group was randomly selected. Mann–Whitney U‐test, binomial logistic regression with backward elimination and Cox regression with frailty model were performed (P < 0.05).ResultsThe overall caries experience amounted to 6.3 dmft and 13.3 dmfs. 72.5% of restorations failed within the first 2 years. Older children and children from families with a higher socio‐economic status showed a lower risk for secondary caries. Further, the dentist and the adhesive had a significant influence on the longevity. Posterior restorations had a higher risk to fail in comparison with anterior restorations.ConclusionsWithin the limitation of this study, it is concluded that the development of secondary caries is influenced by several factors. Nevertheless, the secondary caries rate was found to be relatively low in this high‐risk population.
The risk of post‐operative complications in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients on biologic therapy undergoing surgical procedures
Authors: Bakkour W. , Purssell H. , Chinoy H. , Griffiths C.E.M. , Warren R.B. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundThere is limited evidence as to whether biologic therapy should be stopped or continued in patients with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who are undergoing surgical procedures. Current guidelines of care recommend a planned break from biologic therapy in those undergoing major surgical procedures.ObjectiveTo audit current practice of managing biologic therapy peri‐operatively in a tertiary referral psoriasis clinic against guidelines of care and to investigate the effects of continuing/stopping biologic therapy in psoriasis and PsA patients.MethodsA retrospective audit of psoriasis and PsA patients who had a surgical procedure whilst on biologic therapy. A proforma was used to collect information on the biologics used, whether they were stopped peri‐operatively and whether patients developed post‐operative complications and/or disease flare.ResultsA total of 42 patients who had 77 procedures were identified. Procedures ranged from skin surgery to orthopaedic and cardiothoracic surgery. Biologic therapy was continued in the majority of procedures (76%). There was no significant difference in post‐operative risk of infection and delayed wound healing between those patients who continued and those who stopped biologic therapy, including those undergoing major surgery. Interrupting biologic therapy peri‐operatively was associated with a significant (P = 0.003) risk of flare of psoriasis or PsA.ConclusionContinuing biologic therapy in psoriasis and PsA patients peri‐operatively did not increase the risk of post‐operative complications. Interrupting biologic therapy peri‐operatively significantly increased the risk of disease flare. This study is limited by cohort size and requires replication, ideally in a prospective randomized controlled manner.