bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Information Quality of Interim Financial Statements
Authors: Lightstone Karen , Young Nicola M. , Mcfadden Tyra 
Published: December 2012

AbstractExpressing concern about the Canadian capital market environment, Boritz (2006) suggested that the accounting and auditing profession may be paying limited attention to quarterly reports. This study investigates whether fourth‐quarter adjustments are significantly different from the previous three, thereby limiting the reliability or faithful representation of the firms' results for each quarter. This study includes four years (2003–2006) of quarterly financial information of 353 Canadian public companies. Our results indicate that the volatility of net income in each of the first three quarters is considerably lower than in the final quarter. While lower volatility can improve predictability, the resulting relevance may be limited. The low volatility of reported earnings in the first three quarters suggests that either earnings management is taking place or that management may not be exercising sufficient care at the end of each of the first three quarters on the measurements that generally accepted accounting principles call for and readers of financial statements expect. This could result in quarterly financial statements that do not faithfully represent the underlying resources and obligations of the reporting firms at the end of the quarter, or the firm's performance during the quarter. Our findings support Boritz's proposition for increased audit requirements for interim reports and changes in the approach to the annual audit to integrate it more closely with interim financial reporting.
An Agenda for Increasing Grant Funding of Emergency Medicine Education Research
Authors: Choo Esther K. , Fernandez Rosemarie , Hayden Emily M. , Schneider Jeffrey I. , Clyne Brian , Ginsburg Shiphra , Gruppen Larry D. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractFunding is a perennial challenge for medical education researchers. Through a consensus process, the authors developed a multifaceted agenda for increasing funding of education research in emergency medicine (EM). Priority agenda items include developing resources to increase the competitiveness of medical education research faculty in grant applications, identifying means by which departments may bolster their faculty's grant writing success, taking long‐term steps to increase the number of grants available to education researchers in the field, and encouraging a shift in cultural attitudes toward education research.
Association of smoking with μ‐opioid receptor availability before and during naltrexone blockade in alcohol‐dependent subjects
Authors: Weerts Elise M. , Wand Gary S. , Kuwabara Hiroto , Xu Xiaoqiang , Frost J. James , Wong Dean F. , McCaul Mary E. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractPersons with a history of alcohol dependence are more likely to use tobacco and to meet criteria for nicotine dependence compared with social drinkers or non‐drinkers. The high levels of comorbidity of nicotine and alcohol use and dependence are thought to be related to interactions between nicotinic, opioid and dopamine receptors in mesolimbic regions. The current study examined whether individual differences in regional μ‐opioid receptor (MOR) availability were associated with tobacco use, nicotine dependence and level of nicotine craving in 25 alcohol‐dependent (AD) subjects. AD subjects completed an inpatient protocol, which included medically supervised alcohol withdrawal, monitored alcohol abstinence, transdermal nicotine maintenance (21 mg/day) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging using the MOR agonist [11C]‐carfentanil (CFN) before (basal scan) and during treatment with 50 mg/day naltrexone (naltrexone scan). Subjects who had higher scores on the Fagerström Nicotine Dependence Test had significantly lower basal scan binding potential (BPND) across mesolimbic regions, including the amygdala, cingulate, globus pallidus, thalamus and insula. Likewise, the number of cigarettes per day was negatively associated with basal scan BPND in mesolimbic regions. Higher nicotine craving was significantly associated with lower BPND in amygdala, globus pallidus, putamen, thalamus and ventral striatum. Although blunted during naltrexone treatment, the negative association was maintained for nicotine dependence and cigarettes per day, but not for nicotine craving. These findings suggest that intensity of cigarette smoking and severity of nicotine dependence symptoms are systematically related to reduced BPND across multiple brain regions in AD subjects.
Forecasting the Term Structure of Korean Government Bond Yields Using the Dynamic Nelson‐Siegel Class Models
Authors: Kang Kyu Ho 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIn this paper we propose and examine various extensions of the three‐factor dynamic Nelson‐Siegel model with the purpose of forecasting. We enhance the flexibility of the model by adding an additional driving factor or allowing for regime shifts in the model parameters. The regime changes are modeled through a recurring regime switching process or a change point process. Out‐of‐sample one through 6‐months ahead forecasts are generated and evaluated using monthly Korean government bond yield data at sixteen different maturities. This paper finds that the three‐factor model performs best for both short and long forecast horizons. Incorporating additional factor or multiple regimes does not seem to improve the out‐of‐sample predictive accuracy of the yield curve forecasts.
Liquidity Risk and Expected Stock Returns in Korea: A New Approach
Authors: Jang Jeewon , Kang Jangkoo , Lee Changjun 
Published: December 2012

AbstractWe propose a simple way to capture the multidimensionality of liquidity. Our analysis indicates that existing liquidity measures have considerable asset specific components, which justifies our new approach. Constructing a two‐factor model with the market and liquidity factor proposed in this paper, we find that our two‐factor model explains well the cross‐section of stock returns in Korea from 1987 to 2010, describing the liquidity premium, size and value effects that the CAPM and Fama‐French three‐factor model fail to explain. Our results also show that the role of liquidity risk on expected stock returns is especially pronounced during the post‐Asian financial crisis period.
Anti‐allergic action of anti‐malarial drug artesunate in experimental mast cell‐mediated anaphylactic models
Authors: Cheng C. , Ng D. S. W. , Chan T. K. , Guan S. P. , Ho W. E. , Koh A. H. M. , Bian J. S. , Lau H. Y. A. , Wong W. S. F. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundAllergy is an acquired hypersensitivity reaction of the immune system mediated by cross‐linking of allergen‐specific IgE‐bound high‐affinity IgE receptors, leading to immediate mast cell degranulation. Artesunate is a semi‐synthetic derivative of artemisinin, an active component of the medicinal plant Artemisia annua. Artesunate is a clinically effective anti‐malarial drug and has recently been shown to attenuate allergic asthma in mouse models. This study investigated potential anti‐allergic effects of artesunate in animal models of IgE‐dependent anaphylaxis.MethodsAnti‐allergic actions of artesunate were evaluated in passive cutaneous anaphylaxis and passive systemic anaphylaxis mouse models, and in ovalbumin‐induced contraction of bronchial rings isolated from sensitized guinea pigs. Direct mast cell‐stabilizing effect of artesunate was examined in RBL‐2H3 mast cell line and in mature human cultured mast cells. Anti‐allergic signaling mechanisms of action of artesunate in mast cells were also investigated.ResultsArtesunate prevented IgE‐mediated cutaneous vascular hyperpermeability, hypothermia, elevation in plasma histamine level, and tracheal tissue mast cell degranulation in mice in a dose‐dependent manner. In addition, artesunate suppressed ovalbumin‐mediated guinea pig bronchial smooth muscle contraction. Furthermore, artesunate concentration‐dependently blocked IgE‐mediated degranulation of RBL‐2H3 mast cells and human culture mast cells. Artesunate was found to inhibit IgE‐induced Syk and PLCγ1 phosphorylation, production of IP3, and rise in cytosolic Ca+2 level in mast cells.ConclusionsWe report here for the first time that artesunate possesses anti‐allergic activity by blocking IgE‐induced mast cell degranulation, providing a foundation for developing artesunate for the treatment of allergic asthma and other mast cell‐mediated allergic disorders.
Mechanisms of peripheral tolerance to allergens
Authors: Soyer O. U. , Akdis M. , Ring J. , Behrendt H. , Crameri R. , Lauener R. , Akdis C. A. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe immune system is regulated to protect the host from exaggerated stimulatory signals establishing a state of tolerance in healthy individuals. The disequilibrium in immune regulatory vs effector mechanisms results in allergic or autoimmune disorders in genetically predisposed subjects under certain environmental conditions. As demonstrated in allergen‐specific immunotherapy and in the healthy immune response to high‐dose allergen exposure models in humans, T regulatory cells are essential in the suppression of Th2‐mediated inflammation, maintenance of immune tolerance, induction of the two suppressive cytokines interleukin‐10 and transforming growth factor‐β, inhibition of allergen‐specific IgE, and enhancement of IgG4 and IgA. Also, suppression of dendritic cells, mast cells, and eosinophils contributes to the construction of peripheral tolerance to allergens. This review focuses on mechanisms of peripheral tolerance to allergens with special emphasis on recent developments in the area of immune regulation.
Indigenous Health Workforce Development: challenges and successes of the Vision 20:20 programme
Authors: Curtis Elana , Reid Papaarangi 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundThere are significant health workforce inequities that exist internationally. The shortage of indigenous health professionals within Australia and New Zealand requires action across multiple sectors, including health and education. This article outlines the successes and challenges of the University of Auckland's Vision 20:20 programme, which aims to improve indigenous Māori and Pacific health workforce development via recruitment, bridging/foundation and tertiary retention support interventions within the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences (FMHS).MethodsSeven years of student data (2005–2011) are presented for undergraduate Student Pass Rate (SPR) by ethnicity and Certificate in Health Sciences (CertHSc) SPR, enrolments and completions by ethnicity. Four key areas of development are described: (i) student selection and pathway planning; (ii) foundation programme refinement; (iii) academic/pastoral support; and (iv) re‐development of the indigenous recruitment model.ResultsKey programme developments have had a positive impact on basic student data outcomes. The FMHS undergraduate SPR increased from 89% in 2005 to 94% in 2011 for Māori and from 81% in 2005 to 87% in 2011 for Pacific. The CertHSc SPR increased from 52% in 2005 to 92% in 2011 with a greater proportion of Māori and Pacific enrolments achieving completion over time (18–76% for Māori and 29–74% for Pacific).ConclusionTertiary institutions have the potential to make an important contribution to indigenous health workforce development. Key challenges remain including secondary school feeder issues, equity funding, programme evaluation, post‐tertiary specialist workforce development and retention in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Indigenous inequalities in cancer: what role for health care?
Authors: Hill Sarah , Sarfati Diana , Robson Bridget , Blakely Tony 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIntroductionPoorer cancer survival in Indigenous populations contributes to health inequalities in both New Zealand and Australia.MethodsWe reviewed recent evidence of cancer treatment and outcomes among Māori and non‐Māori New Zealanders and examined the range of factors that may contribute to poorer survival in Māori.ResultsThere is clear evidence that Māori have poorer cancer survival compared with other ethnic groups, particularly European New Zealanders. Two recent studies show that Māori patients receive poorer quality treatment for cancers of the lung and colon, even after adjusting for patient factors. These findings suggest the need to consider how the health‐care system as a whole may disadvantage Indigenous patients.DiscussionWe present a framework for considering how inequalities may arise in the delivery of cancer care, taking account of the health system as a whole – including the structure and organization of cancer services – as well as treatment processes and patient factors. A key feature of this framework is that it directs attention towards system‐level factors affecting cancer care, including the location, resourcing and cultural focus of services. Our analysis suggests a need to look beyond individual patient factors in order to improve the quality and equity of cancer services and to optimize cancer survival in Indigenous populations.
Auditory evoked arousal responses of 3‐month‐old infants exposed to methamphetamine in utero: a nap study
Authors: Galland Barbara C , Mitchell Ed A , Thompson John MD , Wouldes Trecia ,   the NZ IDEAL Study Group
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimTo investigate whether or not infants exposed to methamphetamine prenatally have impaired arousal responses from sleep.MethodsThe polygraphic nap studies involved 42 infants aged 3 months exposed to methamphetamine in utero and a comparison group of 57 infants. A proportion of mothers in both groups smoked cigarettes and/or marijuana and drank alcohol during pregnancy. White noise from 50 to 100 decibels (dB) was administered at 10 dB intervals twice within non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep states and arousal thresholds measured.ResultsCombining groups, 306 tests were completed (128 and 178 within REM and NREM sleep, respectively) and infants were more likely to wake at lower thresholds in REM than NREM sleep (hazard ratio 5.58; 95% CI, 3.78–8.23 p < 0.0001). No significant differences in arousal threshold were found between methamphetamine and comparison groups, before or after controlling for other substance use (NREM sleep; 0.98, 95% CI, 0.60–1.59 and REM sleep; 1.03, 95% CI, 0.56–1.89).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that arousal responses of methamphetamine‐exposed infants remain intact, providing no support for the hypothesis that prenatal exposure could increase their vulnerability to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) through arousal deficits.
L‐carnitine improves hydrogen peroxide‐induced impairment of nuclear maturation in porcine oocytes
Authors: Yazaki Takako , Hiradate Yuki , Hoshino Yumi , Tanemura Kentaro , Sato Eimei 
Published: December 2012

AbstractWe investigated the effect of oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on lipid peroxide (LPO) level and nuclear maturation in porcine oocytes cultured with or without cumulus cells. After 22 h of pre‐culture, oocytes with attached cumulus cells (COC group) or denuded oocytes (DO group) were cultured with H2O2, and intra‐oocyte H2O2 and LPO levels were quantitatively analyzed using immunofluorescence. This is the first report evaluating LPO levels in porcine oocytes. After H2O2 supplementation, the DO group showed severe accumulation of H2O2 and LPO in the oocytes. Similarly, while inhibition of progression of nuclear maturation was observed in both groups, the effect was more severe in the DO group. These results demonstrate that cumulus cells reduce the accumulation of H2O2 stress in oocytes. Furthermore, we attempted to reduce the oxidative stress by H2O2 with L‐carnitine, a H2O2 scavenger. L‐carnitine decreased H2O2 and LPO levels in the oocytes in both groups, and improvement in the progression of impaired nuclear maturation was observed. These effects were different by the presence of cumulus cells. Our results provide that L‐carnitine is useful for alleviating H2O2‐induced oxidative stress by reducing LPO levels and improving the progression of nuclear maturation.
Emotional differentiation and parental bonding in inpatients suffering from eating disorders
Authors: Rommel Delphine , Nandrino Jean‐Louis , Antoine Pascal , Dodin Vincent 
Published: December 2012

ObjectivesThis study aimed (1) to determine whether inpatients with eating disorders (EDs) have difficulty differentiating their emotions and being aware of the emotions of others; (2) to investigate the link between actual skills in emotional awareness and the sense of self‐efficacy concerning these skills; and (3) to assess the impact of the quality of parental bonding on patients' levels of emotional awareness.MethodsA sample of 44 inpatients with EDs, including a subgroup of 25 patients with restricting type anorexia nervosa (AR) and a subgroup of 19 patients with purging symptoms (PUR), were compared with 37 controls. All participants completed measures on emotional awareness (using the Level of Emotional Awareness Scale [LEAS]), alexithymia (using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale‐20 [TAS‐20]), and parental bonding (using the Parental Bonding Inventory).ResultsInpatients with EDs reported difficulties in identifying and describing their feelings when using the self‐report questionnaire (TAS‐20). However, using a performance‐based instrument (LEAS), inpatients with ED exhibited no deficits in differentiating their emotional states, although AR patients experienced difficulties when differentiating the emotional states of others. Moreover, there was no significant association between the TAS‐20 and the LEAS scores, suggesting that the two measurements provide insight into different aspects of emotional processing. Regression analyses showed that maternal care had a positive influence on emotional awareness in the AR subgroup, whereas maternal overprotection had a negative influence on emotional awareness in PUR subgroup.ConclusionsInpatients with EDs do not present with deficits in personal emotional awareness despite their self‐perception. AR patients showed deficits in the emotional awareness of others. In patients with EDs, perceived maternal bonding influenced the development of emotional awareness, and this influence was dependent on the type of ED. Psychotherapies that focus on maternal bonding and emotional communication within the family unit may enhance emotional awareness in patients with anorexia or subclinical eating pathologies as an alternative.Practitioner Points

Inpatients suffering from eating disorders do not have a deficit in emotional awareness despite their self‐perception.

Inpatients suffering from anorexia nervosa have deficits in recognizing the emotions of others.

Maternal care positively influences the levels of emotional awareness in patients with restricting type anorexia nervosa.

Maternal overprotection negatively influences the level of emotional awareness in bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa purging type.

Because it is important to explore emotional processes based on the type of eating disorders, our study is limited by its small sample size.

The use of the LEAS in this study is a limitation, as it does not take into account the accuracy of the patients' ability to label their own emotions.
MIR‐137 Suppresses Growth and Invasion, is Downregulated in Oligodendroglial Tumors and Targets CSE1L
Authors: Li Kay Ka‐Wai , Yang Ling , Pang Jesse Chung‐Sean , Chan Aden Ka‐Yin , Zhou Liangfu , Mao Ying , Wang Yin , Lau Kin‐Mang , Poon Wai Sang , Shi Zhifeng , Ng Ho‐Keung 
Published: December 2012

AbstractMicroRNA‐137 (miR‐137) expression has been reported to be decreased in astrocytic tumors in two expression profiling studies but its role in the pathogenesis of oligodendroglial tumors is still limited. In this study, we demonstrate that miR‐137 expression is significantly downregulated in a cohort of 35 oligodendroglial tumors and nine glioma cell lines compared with normal brains. Lower miR‐137 expression is associated with shorter progressive‐free survival and overall survival. Restoration of miR‐137 expression in an oligodendroglial cells TC620, and also glioblastoma cells of U87 and U373 significantly suppressed cell growth, anchorage‐independent growth, as well as invasion. Demethylation and deacetylation treatments resulted in upregulation of miR‐137 expression in TC620 cells. In silico analysis showed that CSE1 chromosome segregation 1‐like (yeast) (CSE1L) is a potential target gene of miR‐137. Luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that miR‐137 negatively regulates CSE1L by interaction between miR‐137 and complementary sequences in the 3′ UTR of CSE1L. Immunohistochemistry revealed that CSE1L is upregulated in oligodendroglial tumors. Knockdown of CSE1L resulted in similar outcomes as overexpressing miR‐137 in oligodendroglioma cells and glioblastoma cells. Overall, our data suggest that miR‐137 regulates growth of glioma cells and targets CSE1L, providing further understanding in the tumorigenesis of gliomas.
Adolescent Personality Development and Identity Formation
Authors: Klimstra Theo 
Published: December 2012

AbstractPersonality development is not only about changes in traits but also about changes in other layers of the self, such as the identity layer. Forming one's identity is thought to be the key developmental task of adolescence, but profound changes in personality traits also occur in this period. In this article, I summarize research on these processes, including research on adolescent personality trait development from a variable‐centered and a typological point of view. With regard to identity formation, I also describe contemporary models to measure identity formation and address the importance of examining identity formation on a day‐to‐day level. Despite obvious theoretical ties between personality traits and identity formation, few studies have examined how these processes affect one another across time.