bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Economic Freedom, Investment Flexibility, and Equity Value: A Cross-Country Study
Authors: Chen Chih-Ying , Chen Peter F. , Jin Qinglu 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT
Prior studies show that equity value has convex relations with earnings and book value of equity, respectively, due to growth and adaptation options (Burgstahler and Dichev 1997a; Zhang 2000). However, these studies do not consider the role of institutions in affecting firms' ability to exercise growth and adaptation options. In this study, we investigate whether these convex relations vary with the degree of a country's economic freedom, which may influence the frictions and costs of exercising these options. We develop four hypotheses: In countries with greater economic freedom: (1) a firm's capital investment in response to profitability is greater; (2) the relation between equity value and earnings, given equity book value, is more convex; (3) the relation between equity value and equity book value, given earnings, is more convex; and (4) the relation between stock return and profitability change is more convex. Using the Economic Freedom of the World index from the Fraser Institute, we test our hypotheses with data from 30 countries during the 2000–2010 period. The empirical results are consistent with these hypotheses. The effect of economic freedom that we document is distinct from the effects of GDP level and growth, legal origin, law enforcement, investor protection, and quality of accounting standards. Our results suggest that greater economic freedom enhances equity value through more efficient management of investment options.
Data Availability: Data used in this study are available from public sources.
How the Source of Audit Committee Accounting Expertise Influences Financial Reporting Timeliness
Authors: Abernathy John L. , Beyer Brooke , Masli Adi , Stefaniak Chad M. 
Published: January 2015

SUMMARY
This article summarizes “The Association between Characteristics of Audit Committee Accounting Experts, Audit Committee Chairs, and Financial Reporting Timeliness” (Abernathy, Beyer, Masli, and Stefaniak 2014), which investigates the association between audit committee members' accounting expertise and financial reporting timeliness. While we find a positive relation between audit committee accounting expertise and financial reporting timeliness, interestingly, we also find that accounting expertise gained from public accounting experience is associated with more timely financial reporting than accounting expertise gained from CFO experience. We discuss implications of these findings for auditors, companies, and regulators.
The Effects of Financial Reporting on Bank Loan Contracting in Global Markets: Evidence from Mandatory IFRS Adoption
Authors: Chen Tai-Yuan , Chin Chen-Lung , Wang Shiheng , Yao Wei-Ren 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT
This study examines the effects of the mandatory adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on the contract terms of bank loans in a global setting. Using a difference-in-differences design based on 26,474 bank loans in 31 countries during the 2000–2011 period, we find that borrowers who mandatorily adopt IFRS experience an increase in interest rates, a reduction in the use of accounting-based financial covenants, an increase in the likelihood that a loan is collateralized, a reduction in loan maturity, and an increase in the fraction of a loan retained by lead arrangers. These findings are robust to the removal of the 2008 financial crisis from our analysis, as well as to the matching of IFRS and non-IFRS borrowers on various country- and firm-level characteristics. Furthermore, we find that these changes are more pronounced for borrowers with greater financial reporting changes, as well as those with poorer accounting quality after IFRS adoption.
JEL Classifications: G15; G21; F34; M41.
Noise Propagation in Multiple-Input ADC-Based Measurement Systems
Authors: Bellan Diego 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
In this paper, the complete statistical characterization of the amplitude spectrum at the output of a multiple-input ADC-based measurement system is derived under the assumption of input channels with different noise levels. In practical applications the input channels correspond to the spatial components of a vector field (e.g., magnetic/electric field). Each output spectral line represents the amplitude of the vector field at a specific frequency. Such amplitude is a random variable depending on the noise levels (internal and external noise) of the input channels. Closed form analytical solution for the probability density function of the vector field amplitude is not available in the mathematical literature under the hypothesis of different noise levels. Therefore, an analytical expression for the probability density function is derived on the basis of a Laguerre series expansion. The impact of the kind of time window, the sampling frequency, and the number of samples is clearly derived and put into evidence. Approximate analytical expressions for the mean value and the variance of the vector field amplitude are also provided. Analytical results are validated by means of numerical simulations.
A Novel Three-Head Ultrasonic System for Distance Measurements Based on the Correlation Method
Authors: Gądek Krzysztof , Dudzik Marek , Stręk Anna 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
A novel double-emitter ultrasonic system for distance measurements based on the correlation method is presented. The proposed distance measurement method may be particularly useful in difficult conditions, e.g. for media parameters undergoing fast changes or in cases when obstacles and mechanical interference produce false reflections. The system is a development of a previously studied single-head idea. The present article covers a comparison of the two systems in terms of efficiency and precision. Experimental research described in this paper indicated that adding the second head improved the measurement exactness – standard deviation decreased by 40%. The correlation method is also described in detail, also giving the criterion for the quality of the measurement signal.
Sensor Interaction as a Source of the Electromagnetic Field Measurement Error
Authors: Hartansky R. , Smiesko V. , Bittera M. , Marsalka L. , Cicakova O. , Letanovska L. 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The article deals with analytical calculation and numerical simulation of interactive influence of electromagnetic sensors. Sensors are components of field probe, whereby their interactive influence causes the measuring error. Electromagnetic field probe contains three mutually perpendicular spaced sensors in order to measure the vector of electrical field. Error of sensors is enumerated with dependence on interactive position of sensors. Based on that, proposed were recommendations for electromagnetic field probe construction to minimize the sensor interaction and measuring error.
Unsupervised Pathological Area Extraction using 3D T2 and FLAIR MR Images
Authors: Dvořák Pavel , Bartušek Karel , Smékal Zdeněk 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
This work discusses fully automated extraction of brain tumor and edema in 3D MR volumes. The goal of this work is the extraction of the whole pathological area using such an algorithm that does not require a human intervention. For the good visibility of these kinds of tissues both T2-weighted and FLAIR images were used. The proposed method was tested on 80 MR volumes of publicly available BRATS database, which contains high and low grade gliomas, both real and simulated. The performance was evaluated by the Dice coefficient, where the results were differentiated between high and low grade and real and simulated gliomas. The method reached promising results for all of the combinations of images: real high grade (0.73 ± 0.20), real low grade (0.81 ± 0.06), simulated high grade (0.81 ± 0.14), and simulated low grade (0.81 ± 0.04).
Dementia is Associated with Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Population-Based Case-Controlled Study
Authors: Chung Shiu-Dong , Hung Shih-Han , Lin Herng-Ching , Kang Jiunn-Horng 
Published: January 2015

Background Cardiovascular diseases are reported to be associated with both chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and dementia. Nevertheless, whether dementia is associated with CRS is still unknown. In the present study, we explored the association between dementia with prior CRS using a population-based data set. Methods This study used the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 as the source of data for a case-control study. We included 8768 subjects with dementia as cases and 8768 age- and sex-matched subjects as controls. We identified cases who had received a diagnosis of CRS before having received a diagnosis of dementia. Conditional logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association of dementia with previously diagnosed CRS. Results Results showed that of all sampled subjects, 875 (5.0%) had been previously diagnosed with CRS. A chi-squared test showed that there was a significant difference in the prevalences of prior CRS between cases and controls (6.0% versus 4.0%; p < 0.001). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of prior CRS for subjects with dementia was 1.44 (95% CI, 1.25—1.66) compared with controls. Furthermore, compared with controls, the OR of prior CRS was similar for subjects with dementia for both sexes (the OR for male subjects was 1.48 and OR for female subjects was 1.41). Conclusion We concluded that subjects with dementia had a higher odds of having had prior CRS than controls. This study implies a potential association between CRS and dementia.
Prognostic Factors for Survival in Patients with Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Cho Hyun-Jin , Jang Min-Seok , Hong Sang Duk , Chung Seung-Kyu , Kim Hyo Yeol , Dhong Hun-Jong 
Published: January 2015

Background Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFR) is an aggressive opportunistic infection with a high mortality rate. There are few reports that demonstrate an improvement in the overall prognosis. Furthermore, definite prognostic factors related to patient survival remain unclear. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the various clinical factors related to survival of patients with AIFR. Methods This is a retrospective case series with patients treated for AIFR between 1997 and 2013. A total of 45 patients with AIFR were enrolled for analysis. We evaluated demographics, clinical characteristics, and disease course. Results Mean age of patients was 59.6 years. AIFR developed most commonly in patients with immunocompromised host, such as diabetes (n = 23) or hematologic malignancy (n = 17). There were two main genera of fungus, Aspergillus (n = 30) and Mucor (n = 14). Headache, cranial neuropathy, visual loss, and orbital pain were the most common presenting symptoms. Overall survival was 53%. Underlying hematologic malignancy and diabetes were significantly associated with overall survival, and accompanying severe neutropenia and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) were also related to poor prognosis. Initial presentation with facial swelling, involvement of nasal septum, or shorter symptom duration was also associated with survival reduction. Multivariate analysis revealed that CRP more than 5.50 mg/dL (Hazard ratio [HR], 9.04; p = 003) was an independent prognostic factor in patients with AIFR. Conclusions Overall survival rate remained approximately 50% in patients with AIFR. The prognosis of AIFR is significantly influenced by underlying diseases, accompanying neutropenia, CRP levels, symptom duration, involvement of septum, and the presence of facial swelling. Elevation of CRP, in particular, was an independent predictor of poor outcomes and should be monitored appropriately.
Do Sinus Computed Tomography Findings Predict Olfactory Dysfunction and its Postoperative Recovery in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients?
Authors: Kim Byung Guk , Kang Jun Myung , Shin Ji Hyun , Choi Ha Na , Jung Young Hoon , Park So Young 
Published: January 2015

Background Olfactory dysfunction secondary to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a mixed disorder of conductive and sensorineural olfactory impairment. Although endoscopic sinus surgery has some beneficial effects on olfaction, the outcomes are challenging to predict. The aim of this study was to assess the olfactory outcomes after surgery, to investigate the correlation between the severity of regional computed tomography (CT) findings and olfactory performance, and to identify the predictors of postoperative outcomes based on unilateral olfactory threshold analysis. Methods This study included 167 CRS nostrils of 97 patients with/without polyps (68/99 nostrils) undergoing sinus surgery between January 2007 and December 2011. Olfactory function was evaluated using the butanol threshold test (BTT) before and 6 months after surgery. Clinical and nasal factors from sinus CT scan (sinuses, ostiomeatal complex, olfactory cleft [OC], nasal polyps, and unilateral Lund-Mackay CT score) were analyzed to correlate them with pre- and postoperative olfactory performances. Results Eighty-two percent of the CRS nostrils had anosmia or hyposmia. After surgery, 42% of them showed an improvement in BTT score. Despite improvement, most of the subjects remained with residual hyposmia. The BTT scores deteriorated after surgery in 23% of the total subjects. The disease severity of the OC, posterior ethmoid, and frontal sinus were the significant risk factors for CRS-related anosmia. The strongest risk factor for anosmia was totally obstructed OC (odds ratio [OR], 16.56; 95% CI, 4.31-63.71; p = 0.000). The nostrils with anosmia or partly opacified anterior ethmoid benefited from surgery with respect to olfaction. Conclusion Our results can give support to the combined use of the butanol threshold and sinonasal CT findings in the evaluation of olfaction in CRS patients and help us counsel the patients about the likelihood of postoperative olfactory recovery.
Spontaneous CSF Rhinorrhea: Prevalence of Multiple Simultaneous Skull Base Defects
Authors: Lieberman Seth M. , Chen Si , Jethanamest Daniel , Casiano Roy R. 
Published: January 2015

Background Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are caused by intracranial hypertension. Given this underlying etiology, patients may be at risk for developing multiple skull base defects. Objective The purpose of our study is to present the prevalence of multiple simultaneous skull base defects in patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review in a tertiary care practice of 44 consecutive patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea who underwent endoscopic repair by the senior author (R.R.C.) to determine the prevalence of having multiple simultaneous skull base defects identified at the time of surgery. We defined this as two or more bony defects identified endoscopically with intact intervening bone with or without soft tissue prolapse into the nasal cavity or paranasal sinus cavity. Results Eight of 44 patients (18.2%) were found to have multiple simultaneous skull base defects. The average body mass index (BMI) of the study population was 34.5 (range, 22.7-59). Conclusion A significant number of patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea may have more than one skull base defect present at the time of presentation. The clinical significance of this finding in surgical and medical decision making is not clear at this time.
Factors Driving the Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease Phenotype
Authors: Steinke John W. , Borish Larry 
Published: January 2015

Background Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is explained in part by overexpression of 5-lipoxygenase and leukotriene C4 synthase (LTC4S), resulting in constitutive overproduction of cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) and driving the surge in CysLT production that occurs with aspirin ingestion. Similarly, AERD is characterized by the overexpression of CysLT receptors. Increased levels of both interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-y are present in the tissue of AERD subjects. Previous studies demonstrated that IL-4 is primarily responsible for the up-regulation of LTC4S by mast cells. Methods Literature review. Results Our previous studies demonstrated that IFN-γ, but not IL-4, drives this process in eosinophils. These published studies also extend to both IL-4 and IFN-γ the ability to up-regulate CysLT receptors. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) acts to prevent CysLT secretion by inhibiting mast cell and eosinophil activation. PGE2 concentrations are reduced in AERD, and our published studies confirm that this reflects diminished expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. A process again that is driven by IL-4. Thus, IL-4 and IFN-γ together play an important pathogenic role in generating the phenotype of AERD. Finally, induction of LTC4S and CysLT1 receptors by IL-4 reflects in part the IL-4-mediated activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6). Our previous studies demonstrated that aspirin blocks trafficking of STAT6 into the nucleus and thereby prevents IL-4-mediated induction of these transcripts, thereby suggesting a modality by which aspirin desensitization could provide therapeutic benefit for AERD patients. Conclusion This review will examine the evidence supporting this model.
Squeeze Bottle versus Saline Spray after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Pilot Multicentre Trial
Authors: Macdonald K. I. , Wright E. D. , Sowerby L. J. , Rotenberg B. W. , Chin C. J. , Rudmik L. , Sommer D. D. , Nayan S. , DesRosiers M. , Tewfik M. A. , Valdes C. J. , Massoud E. , Thomas D. , Kilty S. J. , Vescan A. , Mechor B. , Lavigne F. , Fandino M. , Javer A. R. , Witterick I. J. 
Published: January 2015

Background There is a need for controlled trials to guide the perioperative management of patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The authors performed a pilot multicenter trial to compare two types of saline delivery devices in this population. Methods Patients were randomized to high volume saline irrigation with a squeeze bottle and low volume saline spray after ESS in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Surgeons were blinded to treatment, and one-month postoperative scores for sinonasal outcomes [Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22)] scale, nasal and sinus symptom score (NSS), and perioperative sinus endoscopy (POSE) scale were compared with preoperative scores. Results Nine centers provided data for 86 patients. All three outcomes measures improved significantly for both groups. Saline spray: SNOT-22 48.8 versus. 23.7, treatment effect 25.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.9-32.2), POSE 21.1 versus. 8.4, treatment effect 12.7 (95% CI, 9.2-16.1), and NSS 8.2 versus 5.0, treatment effect 3.1 (95% CI, 1.4-4.9) pre- and postoperatively, respectively (all p < 0.0001). Squeeze bottle: SNOT-22 49.5 versus 23.6, treatment effect 25.9 (95% CI, 20.3-31.6), POSE 18.6 versus 9.2, treatment effect 9.3, (95% CI 6.7-12.0), and NSS 9.0 versus 5.7, treatment effect 3.3 (95% CI, 2.3-4.3) pre- and postoperatively, respectively (all p < 0.0001). Analysis of variance did not identify a difference between the two treatment groups. Subgroup analysis based on preoperative disease severity did not change the nonassociation of saline bottle with outcome measures. Post hoc sample size calculation determined that 176 patients is required to detect an 8.9-point difference in SNOT-22 scores. Conclusion In this pilot multicenter trial examining patients with chronic rhinosinusitis undergoing ESS, both squeeze bottle and saline spray showed significant improvement in SNOT-22, POSE, and NSS scores at one-month postoperatively. Because the study was nonpowered, we cannot rule out a potential difference between the two treatment groups.
Septic Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis Secondary to Acute Bacterial Sinusitis: A Retrospective Study of Seven Cases
Authors: Lizé Franklin , Verillaud Benjamin , Vironneau Pierre , Blancal Jean-Philippe , Guichard Jean-Pierre , Kania Romain , Herman Philippe 
Published: January 2015

Background Septic cavernous sinus thrombosis (SCST) is a rare but severe complication of acute bacterial sinusitis. Evaluations of advances in imaging techniques as well as in medical and surgical treatment are hampered by the lack of recent studies. Objective We aim to report our experience in the management of SCST in patients with acute bacterial sphenoid sinusitis over the past 10 years and to discuss the initial work-up and treatment strategies. Methods We performed a retrospective study of patients admitted for SCST related to acute sinusitis at a tertiary care center between 2003 and 2013. Clinical charts were reviewed for demographics, clinical presentations, imaging and microbiologic findings, medical and surgical treatments, and outcomes. Results Seven patients were treated for SCST. Sphenoid sinus was involved in all cases. The most frequent presenting signs included headache (100%), cranial nerve impairment (86%), fever (71%), and orbital symptoms (71%). Diagnosis was confirmed by a cerebral contrast-enhanced CT scan in all cases. Four patients (57%) had an additional intracranial complication. The average time between clinical onset and diagnosis was 13.7 days. All patients were treated by high-dose i.v. antibiotics, anticoagulation therapy, and surgical endoscopic drainage of the infected sinuses. This treatment strategy resulted in a mortality rate of 0%, but four out of the seven patients developed transient or permanent neurologic deficits, including one with permanent unilateral visual loss. Conclusion The combination of high-dose i.v. antibiotics, anticoagulation therapy, and endoscopic drainage of the infected paranasal sinus is an effective strategy for the treatment of SCST, but long-term sequelae remain frequent.
Management of Sinonasal Mucosal Melanomas and Comparison of Classification Staging Systems
Authors: Gras-Cabrerizo Juan R. , León-Vintró Xavier , Tarruella Margarita Majem , Sarria Gabriel Pedemonte , Gonzalez Carolina Bothe , Montserrat-Gili Joan R. , Kolanczak Katherina , Massegur-Solench Humbert 
Published: January 2015

Objective The aim of this study was to describe treatment results in patients with sinonasal mucosal melanomas (SMMs) and to compare three different classification staging systems. Materials and Methods From 1988 to 2013, we performed a retrospective study of 20 patients with primary sinonasal melanomas. The median age at diagnosis was 71 years. There were 10 males and 10 females. Results Nine SMMs (45%) were originated in the ethmoidal sinus complex, four (20%) in the inferior turbinate, three (15%) in the nasal septum, two (10%) in the maxillary sinus, and two (10%) in the nasal vestibule. Local recurrence was diagnosed in eight patients (40%), and six out of 20 patients (30%) developed distant metastasis during the course of their disease. The adjusted survival rates at three and five years were 47% and 34%, respectively. The adjusted three-year survival rate according to the sinonasal staging system 7th edition for SMM (TNM-SMM) was 60% in T3 stage, 50% in T4a stage, and 34% in T4b stage (p = 0.05). According to Thompson's staging system, survival was 33% for group one, 58% for group two, and 0% for group three (p = 0.006). With the sinonasal staging system 7th edition for carcinoma (TNM-CAR) survival was 33% in T1, 100% in T2 and T3, 0% in T4a, and 34% in T4b (p = 0.006). Conclusions Our experience confirms the distribution of patients according to survival rates was better with the TNM-SMM than with Thompson's or the TNM-CAR systems.