bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Fama-French Three Factors in the Chinese Stock Market
Authors: Xu Jin , Zhang Shaojun 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
China is the largest emerging market and attracts a great deal of attention from investors and researchers worldwide. The Fama-French three-factor model is the outcome of decades of research on US stock returns. To what extent the three factors explain the variation in Chinese stock returns is an intriguing question. This paper documents empirical evidence on this issue and identifies some pitfalls that arise in the application of the three-factor model to Chinese stock returns. We find that several special features in China affect the three factors considerably and also influence the explanatory power of the three-factor model.
Use of Fetal Echocardiography for Characterization of Fetal Cardiac Structure in Women With Normal Pregnancies and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Garg Salil , Sharma Prafull , Sharma Divyesh , Behera Vineet , Durairaj Manuel , Dhall Anil 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesTo assess fetal cardiac structure and function and to evaluate the efficacy of routine fetal echocardiography for detection of fetal cardiac abnormalities in women with normal pregnancies and those with gestational diabetes mellitus.MethodsIn this prospective study, we studied fetal cardiac structure and function in 294 uncomplicated singleton pregnancies and 302 pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes. Fetal echocardiography (2‐dimensional sonography and pulsed wave Doppler imaging) was used to assess functional parameters and to detect any cardiac structural abnormality. Data from clinical and echocardiographic evaluations of neonates at birth and 3 months were obtained to confirm the antenatal findings.ResultsThe mean maternal age ± SD was 28.9 ± 5.0 years in the diabetes group and was comparable to that of women with normal pregnancies. The mean hemoglobin A1c value was 6.3%, and the mean body mass index was 28.0 kg/m2. The systolic function as assessed by the ejection fraction increased significantly in the diabetes group compared to the normal pregnancy group independent of glycemic control (P < .001). The pulsed wave parameters (early diastolic peak flow velocity and early‐to‐late diastolic peak flow velocity ratio) were significantly different between the groups (P < .001). The interventricular septum and fetal ventricular wall thicknesses were significantly increased in the presence of gestational diabetes (P < .001). No major fetal cardiac structural anomaly was detected in either group. On follow‐up after delivery, all neonates were assessed clinically and by transthoracic echocardiography to rule out congenital defects.ConclusionsIn our study, significant increases in the interventricular septum and ventricular wall thicknesses were detected in the presence of gestational diabetes mellitus. Interestingly, none of the neonates of pregnant women with gestational diabetes were found to have echocardiographic evidence of congenital heart disease.
Prospective Study of Intracranial Translucency and the Posterior Brain in Normal Fetuses at the 11‐ to 13‐Week Scan
Authors: Fong Katherine W. , Dengler Jana , Toi Ants , Menezes Ravi J. , Karimzad Yasser , Okun Nanette 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesTo evaluate the ability of sonographers to prospectively identify intracranial translucency and posterior brain structures at 11 to 13 weeks and to evaluate measurement reproducibility of brain stem and brain stem–occipital bone diameters on stored images.MethodsAfter specific training for intracranial translucency visualization, 10 nonphysician sonographers prospectively identified intracranial translucency at the 11‐ to 13‐week scan, noting whether intracranial translucency was present, absent, or uncertain. If absent/uncertain, they documented the reason as spina bifida or an inadequate image (with reasons for the inadequate image). Measurements of brain stem and brain stem–occipital bone diameters were performed on stored images. Fifty randomly selected cases were reviewed for intraobserver and interobserver variability.ResultsIn 313 singleton pregnancies, the posterior brain including intracranial translucency was evaluated; 293 (93.6%) had known pregnancy outcomes. None had open spina bifida, but 7 had chromosomal or congenital abnormalities. In the remaining 286 normal fetuses, intracranial translucency was seen in 275 (96%) and uncertain in 11 (4%), due to inadequate images (top 3 reasons were fetal position [n = 8], obesity [n = 5], and retroverted uterus [n = 4]). Fetal position and gestational age were significantly associated with intracranial translucency visualization (P < .05). Intraobserver and interobserver agreement rates were moderate for measurements of brain stem diameter (intraclass correlation coefficients, 0.59 and 0.57) and substantial for brain stem–occipital bone diameter (intraclass correlation coefficients, 0.76 and 0.61). Bland‐Altman analysis revealed negligible intraobserver and interobserver differences in brain stem and brain stem–occipital bone diameter measurements.ConclusionsIntracranial translucency can be prospectively identified by trained sonographers in 96% of normal fetuses at 11 to 13 weeks. Measurements of brain stem and brain stem–occipital bone diameters are reproducible.
Acoustic Radiation Force for Noninvasive Evaluation of Corneal Biomechanical Changes Induced by Cross‐linking Therapy
Authors: Urs Raksha , Lloyd Harriet O. , Silverman Ronald H. 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesTo noninvasively measure changes in corneal biomechanical properties induced by ultraviolet‐activated riboflavin cross‐linking therapy using acoustic radiation force (ARF).MethodsCross‐linking was performed on the right eyes of 6 rabbits, with the left eyes serving as controls. Acoustic radiation force was used to assess corneal stiffness before treatment and weekly for 4 weeks after treatment. Acoustic power levels were within US Food and Drug Administration guidelines for ophthalmic safety. Strain, determined from ARF‐induced displacement of the front and back surfaces of the cornea, was fit to the Kelvin‐Voigt model to determine the elastic modulus (E) and coefficient of viscosity (η). The stiffness factor, the ratio of E after treatment to E before treatment, was calculated for treated and control eyes. At the end of 4 weeks, ex vivo thermal shrinkage temperature analysis was performed for comparison with in vivo stiffness measurements. One‐way analysis of variance and Student t tests were performed to test for differences in E, η, the stiffness factor, and corneal thickness.ResultsBiomechanical stiffening was immediately evident in cross‐linking–treated corneas. At 4 weeks after treatment, treated corneas were 1.3 times stiffer and showed significant changes in E (P= .006) and η (P= .007), with no significant effect in controls. Corneal thickness increased immediately after treatment but did not differ significantly from the pretreatment value at 4 weeks.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate a statistically significant increase in stiffness in cross‐linking–treated rabbit corneas based on in vivo axial stress/strain measurements obtained using ARF. The capacity to noninvasively monitor corneal stiffness offers the potential for clinical monitoring of cross‐linking therapy.
Freehand Elastography for Determination of Breast Cancer Size
Authors: Zippel Douglas , Shalmon Anat , Rundstein Arie , Novikov Ilya , Yosepovich Ady , Zbar Andrew , Goitein David , Sklair‐Levy Miri 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesElastography assesses the strain of soft tissues and is used to enhance diagnostic accuracy in evaluating breast tumors, but minimal data exist on its ability to accurately assess tumor size. This study was performed to assess the preoperative accuracy of measuring the size of biopsyproven breast cancer lesions with elastography and conventional B‐mode sonography compared with the reference standard size measured by histopathologic examination.MethodsElastography and conventional B‐mode sonography were performed on 69 women with histologically proven breast cancer, and tumor sizes on both modalities were recorded. These measurements were compared with the final pathologic size, which was used as the reference standard. The sizes and differences between sonographic, elastographic, and pathologic measurements were statistically tested, and an analysis of equivalence to the reference standard was performed using Bland‐Altman plots.ResultsThere was a significant difference between sizes on elastography and pathologic examination, with elastography overestimating the tumor size (P = .0187). Sonography slightly underestimated the tumor size, but this finding was not significant (P = .36). Bland‐Altman plots confirmed that sonography but not elastography was an acceptable standard compared with the pathologic size.ConclusionsBreast elastography but not B‐mode sonography overestimates the size of breast tumors compared with the final pathologic size.
Controls on groundwater flow in a semiarid folded and faulted intermountain basin
Authors: Ball Lyndsay B. , Caine Jonathan Saul , Ge Shemin 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe major processes controlling groundwater flow in intermountain basins are poorly understood, particularly in basins underlain by folded and faulted bedrock and under regionally realistic hydrogeologic heterogeneity. To explore the role of hydrogeologic heterogeneity and poorly constrained mountain hydrologic conditions on regional groundwater flow in contracted intermountain basins, a series of 3‐D numerical groundwater flow models were developed using the South Park basin, Colorado, USA as a proxy. The models were used to identify the relative importance of different recharge processes to major aquifers, to estimate typical groundwater circulation depths, and to explore hydrogeologic communication between mountain and valley hydrogeologic landscapes. Modeling results show that mountain landscapes develop topographically controlled and predominantly local‐scale to intermediate‐scale flow systems. Permeability heterogeneity of the fold and fault belt and decreased topographic roughness led to permeability controlled flow systems in the valley. The structural position of major aquifers in the valley fold and fault belt was found to control the relative importance of different recharge mechanisms. Alternative mountain recharge model scenarios showed that higher mountain recharge rates led to higher mountain water table elevations and increasingly prominent local flow systems, primarily resulting in increased seepage within the mountain landscape and nonlinear increases in mountain block recharge to the valley. Valley aquifers were found to be relatively insensitive to changing mountain water tables, particularly in structurally isolated aquifers inside the fold and fault belt.
Improving nutrient management practices in agriculture: The role of risk‐based beliefs in understanding farmers' attitudes toward taking additional action
Authors: Wilson Robyn S. , Howard Gregory , Burnett Elizabeth A. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractA recent increase in the amount of dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) entering the western Lake Erie basin is likely due to increased spring storm events in combination with issues related to fertilizer application and timing. These factors in combination with warmer lake temperatures have amplified the spread of toxic algal blooms. We assessed the attitudes of farmers in northwest Ohio toward taking at least one additional action to reduce nutrient loss on their farm. Specifically, we (1) identified to what extent farm and farmer characteristics (e.g., age, gross farm sales) as well as risk‐based beliefs (e.g., efficacy, risk perception) influenced attitudes, and (2) assessed how these characteristics and beliefs differ in their predictive ability based on unobservable latent classes of farmers. Risk perception, or a belief that negative impacts to profit and water quality from nutrient loss were likely, was the most consistent predictor of farmer attitudes. Response efficacy, or a belief that taking action on one's farm made a difference, was found to significantly influence attitudes, although this belief was particularly salient for the minority class of farmers who were older and more motivated by profit. Communication efforts should focus on the negative impacts of nutrient loss to both the farm (i.e., profit) and the natural environment (i.e., water quality) to raise individual perceived risk among the majority, while the minority need higher perceived efficacy or more specific information about the economic effectiveness of particular recommended practices.
Examining spatial and temporal variability in snow water equivalent using a 27 year reanalysis: Kern River watershed, Sierra Nevada
Authors: Girotto Manuela , Cortés Gonzalo , Margulis Steven A. , Durand Michael 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis paper used a data assimilation framework to estimate spatially and temporally continuous snow water equivalent (SWE) from a 27 year reanalysis (from water year 1985 to 2011) of the Landsat‐5 record for the Kern River watershed in the Sierra Nevada, California. The data assimilation approach explicitly treats sources of uncertainty from model parameters, meteorological inputs, and observations. The method is comprised of two main components: (1) a coupled land surface model (LSM) and snow depletion curve (SDC) model, which is used to generate an ensemble of predictions of SWE and fractional snow cover area (FSCA) for a given set of prior (uncertain) inputs, and (2) a retrospective reanalysis step, which updates estimation variables to be consistent with the observed fractional snow cover time series. The final posterior SWE estimate is generated from the LSM‐SDC using the posterior estimation variables consistently with all postulated sources of uncertainty in the model, inputs, and observations. A reasonable agreement was found between the SWE reanalysis and in situ SWE observations and streamflow data. The data set was studied to evaluate factors controlling SWE spatial and temporal variability. Elevation was found to be the primary control on spatial patterns of peak‐SWE and day‐of‐peak. The easting coordinate had additional explanatory power, which is hypothesized to be related to rain shadow effects due to the prevailing storm track directions. The spatial patterns were found to be interannually inconsistent. However, drier years and lower elevations were found more variable than wetter years and higher elevations, respectively. Only a very small percentage of the Kern River watershed had a significant trend in peak‐SWE and day‐of‐peak. Trends deemed to be significant were found to be positive (peak‐SWE is increasing and day‐of‐peak occurs later) at higher elevations, but negative (peak‐SWE is decreasing and day‐of‐peak occurs earlier) at lower elevations. The reanalysis approach proved to be useful in terms of identifying subwatershed variability and trends, and could be extended to larger regions and areas where in situ data are sparse or unavailable.
Peptide Modifications Differentially Alter G Protein‐Coupled Receptor Internalization and Signaling Bias
Authors: Mäde Veronika , Babilon Stefanie , Jolly Navjeet , Wanka Lizzy , Bellmann‐Sickert Kathrin , Diaz Gimenez Luis E. , Mörl Karin , Cox Helen M. , Gurevich Vsevolod V. , Beck‐Sickinger Annette G. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAlthough G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) are targeted by more clinically used drugs than any other type of protein, their ligand development is particularly challenging. Humans have four neuropeptide Y receptors: hY1R and hY5R are orexigenic, while hY2R and hY4R are anorexigenic, and represent important anti‐obesity drug targets. We show for the first time that PEGylation and lipidation, chemical modifications that prolong the plasma half‐lives of peptides, confer additional benefits. Both modifications enhance pancreatic polypeptide preference for hY2R/hY4R over hY1R/hY5R. Lipidation biases the ligand towards arrestin recruitment and internalization, whereas PEGylation confers the opposite bias. These effects were independent of the cell system and modified residue. We thus provide novel insights into the mode of action of peptide modifications and open innovative venues for generating peptide agonists with extended therapeutic potential.
Controlling water permeability of composite films of polylactide acid, cellulose, and xyloglucan
Authors: Gårdebjer Sofie , Larsson Anette , Löfgren Caroline , Ström Anna 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTTo test the hypothesis that the introduction of a hydrophilic hemicellulose would affect viscoelastic properties and increase water permeability, xyloglucan (XG) was adsorbed onto the surface of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) in water dispersion prior to the extrusion of 79–80 wt % polylactide acid (PLA), 20 wt % MCC, and 0–1 wt % XG. For comparison, composites of PLA, MCC, and non‐absorbed XG were produced. Analysis of thermal properties showed no differences for glass‐transition or melting temperatures, but the crystallinity of the films increased with the addition of MCC and XG. Storage modulus of the composite materials increased with XG content; however, at higher humidities storage modulus decreased, probably because of lower interfacial adhesion. Water permeability through the films increased more with the addition of XG adsorbed to the MCC than with the MCC and XG simply mixed in the same amounts. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Applied Polymer Science Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41219.
Influence of metal‐oxide‐supported bentonites on the pyrolysis behavior of polypropylene and high‐density polyethylene
Authors: Ahmad Imtiaz , Khan Mohammad Ismail , Khan Hizbullah , Ishaq Mohammad , Tariq Razia , Gul Kashif , Ahmad Waqas 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTIn this article, we report on the pyrolysis of polypropylene (PP) and high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) in the absence and presence of plain and metal‐oxide‐impregnated bentonite clays [BCs; acid‐washed bentonite clay (AWBC), Zn/AWBC, Ni/AWBC, Co/AWBC, Fe/AWBC, and Mn/AWBC] into useful products. Thermal and catalytic runs were performed at 300°C in the case of PP and at 350°C in the case of HDPE for a contact time of 30 min. The effects of different catalysts and their concentrations on the overall yields and the yields of liquid, gas, and residue were studied. The efficacy of each catalyst is reported on the basis of the highest liquid yields (in weight percentage). The derived liquid products were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy; this confirmed the presence of paraffins, olefins, and naphthenes. The results indicate the catalytic role of impregnated BCs compared to plain BC with the optimum efficiency shown by Co/AWBC in the case of PP and Zn/AWBC in the case of HDPE toward the formation of liquid products in a desirable C range with the enrichment of olefins and naphthenes in the case of PP and paraffins and olefins in the case of HDPE compared to the thermal run. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41221.
Network structure and mechanical properties of hydrophobic association hydrogels: Surfactant effect I
Authors: Liu Chang , Liu Xiaoli , Yu Jingfeng , Gao Ge , Liu Fengqi 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTThree series hydrophobic association hydrogels (HA‐gels) with different concentration of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) were prepared by free radical micellar copolymerization. The backbone of HA‐gels was based on the copolymer of acrylamide and a little octylphenol polyoxyethylene ether acrylate with 10 ethoxyl units (OP10∼AC). Their mechanical properties were determined by tension tests. It was found that the properties of all three series HA‐gels presented a very similar variation tendency with increasing R, the molar ratio of SDS to OP10∼AC. In the medium region of R (around 1.23), higher effective crosslinked density and proper match between shorter and longer chains were achieved, so that the HA‐gels exhibited better mechanical strengths. In lower R region, it is prone to form the unstable aggregation of OP10∼AC with little SDS, while in higher R region some of co‐micelles could not act as crosslinkers. Both would reduce the effective crosslinked density and the mechanical strength of HA‐gel. In the condition of fixed R, the change of OP10∼AC content would remodel the topological structure of network. The HA‐gels with better properties could be obtained as the OP10∼AC content was varied from 1 to 2% at the proper R. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41222.
Facile preparation of boronic acid‐functionalized magnetic nanoparticles with a high capacity and their use in the enrichment of cis‐diol‐containing compounds from plasma
Authors: Du Jin , He Maofang , Wang Xiaomeng , Fan Hua , Wei Yinmao 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe use of bronate affinity adsorbents is a new separation method that appeared recently with great potential for specific extraction of cis‐diol‐containing compounds. In this work,a new strategy for the facile construction of boronic acid‐functionalized Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@FPBA MNPs) with a high capacity was described. The extraction capacity of the Fe3O4@FPBA MNPs was determined to be 66.0 ± 2.7 µmol/g for catechol and 80.6 ± 2.0 µmol/g for dopamine, being higher than that for the reported methods. The Fe3O4@FPBA MNPs were used to extract four cis‐diol drugs: caffeic acid isopropyl ester, caffic acid bornyl ester, isopropyl 3‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐2‐hydroxypropanoate and 3‐(3, 4‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐2‐hydroxylpropionic acid – from the spiked rabbit plasma, and the recoveries of four drugs were between 87.29 and104.37% with relative standard deviations ranging from 1.34 to 8.81%. Under the most favorable conditions, the solid‐phase extraction combined with HPLC‐UV for the analysis of four drugs in plasma could eliminate interferences from endogenous components of the biological fluids and exhibited sufficient precision and accuracy. These results showed that the prepared Fe3O4@FPBA MNPs were qualified for efficiently enriching and determining the trace cis‐diol substances from biological samples. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.