bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Volatility and cross correlations of stock markets in SAARC nations
Authors: Singhania Monica , Prakash Shachi 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine cross-correlation in stock returns of SAARC countries, conditional and unconditional volatility of stock markets and to test efficient market hypothesis (EMH).

Design/methodology/approach
– Stock indices of India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan are considered to serve as proxy for stock markets in SAARC countries. Data consist of daily closing price of stock indices from 2000 to 2011. Since preliminary testing indicated presence of serial autocorrelation and volatility clustering, family of GARCH models is selected.

Findings
– Results indicate presence of serial autocorrelation in stock market returns, implying dependence of current stock prices on stock prices of previous times and leads to rejection of EMH. Significant relationship between stock market returns and unconditional volatility indicates investors’ expectation of extra risk premium for exposing their portfolios to unexpected variations in stock markets. Cross-correlation revealed level of integration of South Asian economies with global market to be high.

Research limitations/implications
– Business cycles and other macroeconomic developments affect most companies and lead to unexplained relationships. The paper finds stock markets to exist at different levels of development as economic liberalization started at different points of time in SAARC countries.

Practical implications
– Correlation between stock indices of SAARC economies are found to be low which is in line with intra-regional trade being one of lowest as compared to other regional groups. Results point towards greater need for economic cooperation and integration between SAARC countries. Greater financial integration leads to development of markets and institutions, effective price discovery, higher savings and greater economic progress.

Originality/value
– The paper focuses on EMH and risk return relation for SAARC nations.
Death Due to Complications of Anhidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia
Authors: Ogden Emily , Schandl Cynthia , Tormos Lee Marie 
Published: July 2014

AbstractEctodermal dysplasia comprises a group of disorders affecting ectodermal tissues. Severity depends on the genetic aberration; hyperpyrexia secondary to absence of sweat glands is a common complication. Treatment is supportive. This case report describes a 1‐month, 27‐day‐old male infant with a diagnosis of X‐linked recessive anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. On the day of his death, his mother swaddled him in a blanket and placed him on the couch at 5:30 am. When she picked him up at 8:00 am, he was unresponsive. At the emergency department, his rectal temperature was 40°C. Postmortem blood culture was positive for group B streptococcus, a possible etiology for fever. It is vital to teach parents that close monitoring of children with ectodermal dysplasia is necessary, as an increase in body temperature can become life threatening.
Application of Kinect Gaming Sensor in Forensic Science
Authors: González‐Jorge Higinio , Zancajo Sandra , González‐Aguilera Diego , Arias Pedro 
Published: July 2014

AbstractKinect sensor appears as a low‐cost option for 3D modeling. This manuscript describes a methodology to test the applicability of Kinect to crime scenes. The methodology includes the comparison versus well‐established scanners (Faro and Trimble). The parameters used for the comparison are the quality in the fitting of primitives, a qualitative evaluation of facial data, the data quality for different ranges, and the accuracy in the measurement of different lengths. The results show that the Kinect noise level increases with range, from 5 mm at 1.5 m range to 15 mm at 3 m range. It is considered that for detail measurements the sensor must be placed close to the target. A general measurement of a sample crime scene was analyzed. Errors in length measurements are between 2% and 10% for 3 m range. The measurement range must be limited to c. 3 m.
Effect of surface stiffness on the neural control of stretch‐shortening cycle movements
Authors: Márquez G. , Morenilla L. , Taube W. , Fernández‐del‐Olmo M. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimIt is accepted that leg stiffness (Kleg) increases when surface stiffness decreases, and vice versa. However, little is known how the central nervous system fulfils this task. To understand the effect of surface stiffness on the neural control of stretch‐shortening cycle movements, this study aimed to compare modulation of spinal and corticospinal excitability at distinct phases after ground contact during two‐legged hopping when changing from solid to elastic ground.MethodsMotor‐evoked potentials (MEPs) induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and H‐reflexes were elicited at the time of the short (SLR)‐, medium (MLR)‐ and long (LLR)‐latency responses of the soleus muscle (SOL) during two‐legged hopping on different stiffness surfaces, elastic and stiff.ResultsSoleus H‐reflexes during two‐legged hopping on the elastic surface were lower at SLR and larger at LLR than on the stiff surface (P < 0.05 for both comparisons). SOL MEP size was higher at the time of SLR during hopping on the elastic surface than on the stiff surface (P < 0.05) although the background EMG was similar.ConclusionIt is argued that this phase‐specific adaptation in spinal reflex excitability is functionally relevant to adjust leg stiffness to optimally exploit the properties of the elastic surface. Thus, the increased corticospinal excitability on the elastic surface may reflect a more supraspinal control of the ankle muscles to compensate the decrease in reflexive stiffness at the beginning of touchdown and/or counteract the higher postural challenges associated with the elastic surface.
Characterisation and application of polyurethane copolymers grafted with photoluminescent dyes
Authors: Chung Yong Chan , Yang Kiseok , Choi Jae Won , Chun Byoung Chul 
Published: July 2014

Photoluminescent dyes (aminofluorene, naphthalimide, naphtholbenzein, or phenosafranine) were grafted to polyurethane using an allophanate linkage. The photoluminescence properties and the shape recovery effects of polyurethane samples were investigated. The polyurethane was composed of 4,4′‐methylenebis(phenylisocyanate), poly(tetramethyleneglycol), and 1,4‐butanediol. The dyes were linked through an extra 4,4′‐methylenebis(phenylisocyanate) and the carbamate moiety of the polyurethane chains. Polyurethanes with various dye contents were characterised, and the shape recovery and photoluminescence properties were compared. In the case of the tensile mechanical properties, the highest maximum stress was 56 MPa, and the strain remained > 1500% for the entire series. The shape recovery improved as the test cycle was repeated, with up to 100% recovery being achieved, but shape retention decreased as the dye content increased. Finally, the photoluminescence of the polyurethanes was demonstrated by a luminescent light‐emission test, together with pH indication capability and the preparation of non‐woven fibre using the electrospinning method.
Palmoplantare Psoriasis im Erwerbsleben: Eine Fallserie aus der Praxis unter Berücksichtigung der S1‐Leitlinie zur berufsdermatologischen Begutachtung von Psoriasis
Authors: Angelovska Irena , Mahler Vera 
Published: July 2014

ZusammenfassungHintergrundAnlagebedingte Erkrankungen stellen bei der berufsdermatologischen Begutachtung eine besondere Herausforderung dar. Es muss dabei exakt differenziert werden, ob die berufliche Tätigkeit in einem ursächlichen Zusammenhang steht oder ob der Spontanverlauf der Erkrankung im Vordergrund steht. In einer kürzlich erschienen S1‐Leitlinie wurden Begutachtungsempfehlungen zur Beurteilung von Psoriasis im Erwerbsleben konsentiert, die in der vorliegenden Arbeit an Gutachtenfällen aus der klinischen Praxis verdeutlicht werden.Patienten und Methodik129 Begutachtungsfälle der Hautklinik Universitätsklinikum Erlangen und Fälle aus der deutschen Rechtsprechung (recherchiert in etablierten juristischen Datenbanken) wurden bezüglich Psoriasisfällen und Anwendbarkeit der o. g. Begutachtungsempfehlungen untersucht.ErgebnisseDie o. g. Begutachtungsempfehlungen wurden in den sechs Gutachtenfällen der Klinik mit Psoriasis (3,6 %) eingesetzt. Die darauf basierenden gutachterlichen Beurteilungen wurden gemäß Bescheiden der zuständigen Berufsgenossenschaft uneingeschränkt anerkannt. Die Recherche nach Urteilen zu berufsbedingter Psoriasis in der deutschen Rechtsprechung erbrachte insgesamt vier Urteile, wobei in einem Fall die Psoriasis als Berufserkrankung nach BK 5101 anerkannt wurde.SchlussfolgerungenDie Psoriasis der Hände stellt im Vergleich zum Handekzem eine seltenere Erkrankung dar. Nach der deutschen Rechtsordnung ist, wie in der vorliegenden Fallserie dargestellt, die Anerkennung einer anlagebedingten Erkrankung als Berufserkrankung nach BK 5101 möglich, wenn ein Berufsbezug hinreichend wahrscheinlich gemacht werden kann und die anderen Voraussetzungen der Berufskrankheitenverordnung erfüllt sind.
The effect of biomass harvesting on greenhouse gas emissions from a rewetted temperate fen
Authors: Günther Anke , Huth Vytas , Jurasinski Gerald , Glatzel Stephan 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe growing demand for bioenergy increases pressure on peatlands. The novel strategy of wet peatlands agriculture (paludiculture) may permit the production of bioenergy from biomass while avoiding large greenhouse gas emissions as occur during conventional crop cultivation on drained peat soils. Herein, we present the first greenhouse gas balances of a simulated paludiculture to assess its suitability as a biomass source from a climatic perspective. In a rewetted peatland, we performed closed‐chamber measurements of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide exchange in stands of the potential crops Phragmites australis, Typha latifolia, and Carex acutiformis for two consecutive years. To simulate harvest, the biomass of half of the measurement spots was removed once per year. Carbon dioxide exchange was close to neutral in all tested stands. The effect of biomass harvest on the carbon dioxide exchange differed between the 2 years. During the first and second year, methane emissions were 13–63 g m−2 a−1 and 2–5 g m−2 a−1, respectively. Nitrous oxide emissions lay below our detection limit. Net greenhouse gas balances in the study plots were close to being climate neutral during both years except for the Carex stand, which was a source of greenhouse gases in the first year (in CO2‐equivalents: 18 t ha−1 a−1). Fifteen years after rewetting the net greenhouse gas balance of the study site was similar to those of pristine fens. In addition, we did not find a significant short‐term effect of biomass harvest on net greenhouse gas balances. In our ecosystem, ~17 t ha−1 a−1 of CO2‐equivalent emissions are saved by rewetting compared to a drained state. Applying this figure to the fen area in northern Germany, emission savings of 2.8–8.5 Mt a−1 CO2‐equivalents could possibly be achieved by rewetting; this excludes additional savings by fossil fuel replacement.
A New Shift‐Share Method
Authors: Artige Lionel , van Neuss Leif 
Published: July 2014

AbstractShift‐share analysis is a decomposition technique widely used in regional studies to quantify an industry‐mix effect and a competitive effect on the growth of regional employment (or any other relevant variable) relative to the national average. This technique has always been subject to criticism for its lack of theoretical basis. This paper presents a critical assessment of the methods suggested by Dunn and Esteban‐Marquillas and proposes a new shift‐share method, which separates out the two effects unambiguously. By way of illustration, we provide an application to manufacturing employment in the Belgian provinces between 1995 and 2007.
Evaluating Parking Monetization as a Strategy for Subsidizing Major League Sports Facilities
Authors: Propheter Geoffrey , Hatch Megan E. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe public sector traditionally subsidizes construction of major league sports facilities with bonds. In 2012, the city of Sacramento, California, approved a parking monetization agreement to raise cash for a new arena, thereby potentially avoiding the risks of bond financing altogether. Though the subsidy proposal ultimately fell through, the increasing popularity of parking monetization suggests that it is only a matter of time before other local governments consider the approach. This paper evaluates the use of parking monetization as a financing strategy to construct major league sports facilities. While professional stadia are the primary focus, many of the criticisms apply to large public capital projects more generally. We conclude that parking monetization is a risky facility subsidization strategy and a poor alternative to traditional bond financing.
Rapid corticosteroid tapering: Important risk factor for type 1 autoimmune hepatitis relapse in Japan
Authors: Takahashi Atsushi , Ohira Hiromasa , Abe Kazumichi , Miyake Yasuhiro , Abe Masanori , Yamamoto Kazuhide , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Onji Morikazu , Tsubouchi Hirohito ,   Intractable Liver and Biliary Diseases Study Group of Japan
Published: July 2014

AimPatients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) sometimes relapse after immunosuppressive therapies are discontinued or sometimes even while they are still being administrated. Furthermore, relapse often occurs in the absence of AIH relapse risk factors. This study aimed to identify the frequency of relapse and to analyze the risk factors associated with relapse in type 1 AIH patients.MethodsClinical characteristics and therapeutic processes were assessed in 129 type 1 AIH patients.ResultsRelapse was identified in 39 (30.2%) type 1 AIH patients after alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level normalization. ALT levels significantly increased when corticosteroid treatment was initiated in relapsed patients compared with that in patients with sustained remission. The reduction dose and rate of corticosteroid taper were significantly increased in relapsed patients compared with those in sustained remission patients. Moreover, positive correlations were identified between the reduction dose/taper rate and initial corticosteroid dose, and ALT levels, total bilirubin levels and hepatitis activity. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the corticosteroid reduction rate as significantly associated with AIH relapse.ConclusionCorticosteroid reduction taper rate until ALT normalization is an important AIH relapse risk factor.
The anatomical relationship between the roots of mandibular second molars and the inferior alveolar nerve
Authors: Chong B. S. , Quinn A. , Pawar R. R. , Makdissi J. , Sidhu S. K. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimTo evaluate the anatomical relationship between the roots of mandibular second molars and the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) in relation to the risk of potential nerve injury during root canal treatment.MethodologyCone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) images from the patient record database at a dental hospital were selected. The anonymized CBCT images were reconstructed and examined in three planes (coronal, axial and sagittal) using 3D viewing software. The relationship between each root apex of mandibular second molars and the IAN was evaluated by measuring the horizontal and vertical distances from coronal CBCT sections, and the actual distance was then calculated mathematically using Pythagoras’ theorem.ResultsIn 55% of the 272 mandibular second molar roots evaluated, from a total of 134 scans, the distance between the anatomical root apex and the IAN was ≤3 mm.ConclusionsIn over 50% of the cases evaluated, there was an intimate relationship between the roots of mandibular second molars and the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). Therefore, root canal treatment of mandibular second molars may pose a more significant potential risk of IAN injury; necessary precautions should be exercised, and the prudent use of CBCT should be considered if an intimate relationship is suspected.
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions in a local hospital setting: a 5‐year retrospective study
Authors: Su Peiqi , Aw Chen Wee Derrick 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundSevere cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR) are rare but important causes of morbidity and mortality. Stevens‐Johnson syndrome (SJS), Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) are severe cutaneous drug reactions that can be potentially life threatening. Our study aims to look at the epidemiology of SCAR in the local setting in Singapore and the underlying characteristics of our patients that may influence the drug reaction seen.MethodsData was collected retrospectively from in‐patient records in the period of January 2007 to December 2011. We looked at several factors: (i) patient demographics including age, gender, ethnicity, comorbidities, (ii) culprit drug(s), (iii) latent period, (iv) drug reaction observed, (v) systemic complications, (vi) length of hospital stay, (vii) treatment given, and (viii) outcomes (mortality, morbidity).ResultsWe collected data from 42 patients. The mean age of our patients was 51.8 years. Twenty‐nine (69%) of the patients had underlying comorbidities. The most common culprit drug group was antibiotics. SJS was the most common SCAR observed (54.8%), followed by acute generalized exanthematous pustolosis (AGEP; 24%), TEN (11.9%), and DRESS (2%). Sixteen patients (38.1%) had complications, and there was one reported death. There was a weak correlation (correlation coefficient 0.29, P value = 0.15, 95% CI = 2.07) between early steroid therapy and the length of stay.ConclusionsAntibiotics are the most common culprit drugs. The most common SCAR observed in our study was SJS. Early initiation of steroids may lead to a more favorable outcome.
Psoriasis and comorbidities in a southern Brazilian population: a case–control study
Authors: Menegon Dóris B. , Pereira Ana G. , Camerin Anna C. , Cestari Tania 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis is a chronic disease with worldwide prevalences of 0.6–4.8%. Its inherent chronic inflammatory component predisposes patients to cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the associations of psoriasis with comorbidities and health risk factors such as smoking and alcohol intake, and to examine demographic differences in its occurrence in a southern Brazil population.MethodsA case–control study was conducted at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre between April 2009 and March 2011. The sample comprised 350 patients with psoriasis and 346 healthy control subjects. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Tobacco load and alcohol consumption per person were investigated. Physical examination included blood pressure, waist circumference (WC), and body mass index (BMI) calculation. Clinical evaluation investigated whether psoriasis was localized or widespread and the percentage of body surface area (BSA) affected.ResultsPsoriasis patients exhibited an increased WC (P < 0.01) and BMI (P = 0.01) and higher incidences of smoking (P < 0.01) and depression (P < 0.01) than control subjects. A comparison of patients with involvement of <20% and >20% of BSA revealed significant differences in prevalences of hypertension (P = 0.03) and diabetes (P < 0.01).ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated higher incidences of depression, increased WC, overweight, obesity, and smoking in psoriasis patients compared with controls. Patients with >20% of BSA affected were 1.69 times more likely to have hypertension and 2.9 times more likely to have diabetes. Healthcare providers should be alert to the increased cardiovascular risk and metabolic specificities of patients with psoriasis. Appropriate information on healthy lifestyle habits, including maintenance of a healthy weight and participation in physical exercise, and avoidance of alcohol and smoking are fundamental.
Prevalence and risk factors for skin diseases among antiretroviral‐naïve HIV‐infected pregnant women in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Shayo Grace A. , Moshiro Candida , Spiegelman Donna , Mugusi Ferdinand M. , Chalamilla Guerino , Msamanga Gernard , Hawkins Claudia , Fawzi Wafaie 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundReduced cell‐mediated immunity associated with pregnancy may cause a flaring or exacerbation of some skin conditions. Little is known about the magnitude of and risk factors for skin diseases among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected antiretroviral therapy‐naïve pregnant women.MethodsCross‐sectional study of 1078 HIV‐infected antiretroviral therapy‐naïve pregnant women was conducted in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Skin diagnoses were mainly clinical. Log‐binomial regression models were used to explore factors associated with the outcomes.ResultsAbout 84% of the women were in World Health Organization (WHO) HIV stage I. Median CD4+ count was 405 × 106 cells/l. The prevalence of any skin disease was 18%. Fungal infections (11%), genital ulcers (7%), and viral infections (5%) were the most common skin conditions. Skin infections were 2.64 times more common in HIV stage III (95% CI 1.51–4.62) compared to stage I. Fungal infections were 1.77 times common among single, divorced, and widowed women than among married women (95% CI 1.16–2.69), 2.8 times common among women in HIV stage III (95% CI 1.18–6.64) compared to stage I. Genital ulcers were significantly more common among women whose source of income was their own compared with those who got full support from partners, and among WHO HIV stage III disease compared to stage I.ConclusionThe burden of skin diseases was relatively low. Advanced HIV stage was associated with a range of skin conditions. CD4+ cell count was not related to skin infection prevalence.
Clinical differences between early‐ and late‐onset psoriasis in Thai patients
Authors: Chularojanamontri Leena , Kulthanan Kanokvalai , Suthipinittharm Puan , Jiamton Sukhum , Wongpraparut Chanisada , Silpa‐Archa Narumol , Tuchinda Papapit , Sirikuddta Wararat 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectivesThere is a paucity of data regarding clinical differences between early‐onset psoriasis (EOP) and late‐onset psoriasis (LOP) in Asian populations. This study aimed to investigate clinical differences between EOP (onset at the age of <40 years) and LOP (onset at the age of ≥40 years) in Thai patients.MethodsFrom 2002 until 2008, staff and residents in the Department of Dermatology, Siriraj Hospital, were asked to complete a questionnaire detailing the age of onset, family history of psoriasis, comorbid diseases, clinical features, nail and joint involvement, and severity of psoriasis in all psoriasis patients. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi‐squared tests.ResultsA total of 1017 patients were enrolled. Of these, 663 (65.2%) patients had EOP and 354 (34.8%) had LOP. The mean ± standard deviation age of onset was 24.8 ± 8.7 years in the EOP group and 51.6 ± 9.6 years in the LOP group. The two most common comorbid diseases were hypertension and diabetes mellitus in both groups. Patients with EOP had a significantly higher likelihood of both a family history of disease and guttate psoriasis. Palmoplantar psoriasis was more commonly found in LOP patients. Nail and joint involvement and disease severity were not associated significantly with age of onset.ConclusionsThe present study supports the hypothesis that there are clinical differences between EOP and LOP in Asian populations.