bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Forecasting the Yield Curve in a Data‐Rich Environment Using the Factor‐Augmented Nelson–Siegel Model
Authors: Exterkate Peter , Dijk Dick Van , Heij Christiaan , Groenen Patrick J. F. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTThis paper compares various ways of extracting macroeconomic information from a data‐rich environment for forecasting the yield curve using the Nelson–Siegel model. Five issues in extracting factors from a large panel of macro variables are addressed; namely, selection of a subset of the available information, incorporation of the forecast objective in constructing factors, specification of a multivariate forecast objective, data grouping before constructing factors, and selection of the number of factors in a data‐driven way. Our empirical results show that each of these features helps to improve forecast accuracy, especially for the shortest and longest maturities. Factor‐augmented methods perform well in relatively volatile periods, including the crisis period in 2008–9, when simpler models do not suffice. The macroeconomic information is exploited best by partial least squares methods, with principal component methods ranking second best. Reductions of mean squared prediction errors of 20–30% are attained, compared to the Nelson–Siegel model without macro factors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Demographic correlates of DSM‐IV major depressive disorder among older African Americans, Black Caribbeans, and non‐Hispanic Whites: results from the National Survey of American Life
Authors: Aranda María P. , Chae David H. , Lincoln Karen D. , Taylor Robert Joseph , Woodward Amanda Toler , Chatters Linda M. 
Published: October 2011

ObjectivesTo examine the demographic correlates of lifetime and 12‐month prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) among older African Americans, Black Caribbeans, and non‐Hispanic Whites.MethodsData are from adults aged 55 years and older (n = 1439) recruited to the National Survey of American Life (NSAL; 2001–2003). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Version IV World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview was used to assess the 12‐month and lifetime MDD. Weighted logistic regression was used to model demographic correlates of MDD.ResultsThe population prevalence of lifetime and 12‐month MDD were 11.2% and 4.1%, respectively. Bivariate analyses revealed that younger respondents and those with greater disability had a higher prevalence of both lifetime and 12‐month MDD compared with those who were older and who had lower disability. Multivariable logistic regressions controlling for demographic characteristics revealed that non‐Hispanic Whites had the greatest odds of lifetime MDD (OR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.32, 3.93). Women had significantly greater odds of lifetime MDD compared with men (OR = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.14, 5.41); there were no gender differences in 12‐month MDD. Other significant predictors of MDD were marital status and region of residence.ConclusionsThe distribution, correlates, and nature of associations with MDD vary as a function of whether we examined lifetime vs. 12‐month MDD. Future work should account for within group differences among older adults with depression. Understanding MDD correlates and the nature of intergroup diversity can inform the identification of particularly vulnerable subgroups as well as appropriate treatment approaches. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Myofibroblast-derived PDGF-BB promotes hedgehog survival signaling in cholangiocarcinoma cells
Authors: Fingas Christian D. , Bronk Steven F. , Werneburg Nathan W. , Mott Justin L. , Guicciardi Maria E. , Cazanave Sophie C. , Mertens Joachim C. , Sirica Alphonse E. , Gores Gregory J. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cells paradoxically express the death ligand, tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and, therefore, are dependent upon potent survival signals to circumvent TRAIL cytotoxicity. CCAs are also highly desmoplastic cancers with a tumor microenvironment rich in myofibroblasts (MFBs). Herein, we examine a role for MFB-derived CCA survival signals. We employed human KMCH-1, KMBC, HuCCT-1, TFK-1, and Mz-ChA-1 CCA cells, as well as human primary hepatic stellate and myofibroblastic LX-2 cells, for these studies.

In vivo

experiments were conducted using a syngeneic rat orthotopic CCA model. Coculturing CCA cells with myofibroblastic human primary hepatic stellate cells or LX-2 cells significantly decreased TRAIL-induced apoptosis in CCA cells, a cytoprotective effect abrogated by neutralizing platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB antiserum. Cytoprotection by PDGF-BB was dependent upon Hedgehog (Hh) signaling, because it was abolished by the smoothened (SMO; the transducer of Hh signaling) inhibitor, cyclopamine. PDGF-BB induced cyclic adenosine monophosphate–dependent protein kinase–dependent trafficking of SMO to the plasma membrane, resulting in glioma-associated oncogene (GLI)2 nuclear translocation and activation of a consensus GLI reporter gene-based luciferase assay. A genome-wide messenger RNA expression analysis identified 67 target genes to be commonly up- (50 genes) or down-regulated (17 genes) by both Sonic hedgehog and PDGF-BB in a cyclopamine-dependent manner in CCA cells. Finally, in a rodent CCA

in vivo

model, cyclopamine administration increased apoptosis in CCA cells, resulting in tumor suppression.

Conclusions:

MFB-derived PDGF-BB protects CCA cells from TRAIL cytotoxicity by a Hh-signaling–dependent process. These results have therapeutical implications for the treatment of human CCA. (Hepatology 2011;)
THE GROWTH AFTERMATH OF NATURAL DISASTERS
Authors: Fomby Thomas , Ikeda Yuki , Loayza Norman V. 
Published: October 2011

SUMMARYThis paper traces the yearly response of gross domestic product growth—both aggregated and disaggregated into its agricultural and non‐agricultural components—to four types of natural disasters: droughts, floods, earthquakes, and storms. The paper uses a methodological approach based on pooling the experiences of various countries over time. It consists of vector autoregressions in the presence of endogenous variables and exogenous shocks (VARX), applied to a panel of cross‐country and time series data. The analysis finds heterogeneous effects on a variety of dimensions. First, the effects of natural disasters are stronger on developing than on advanced countries. Second, not all natural disasters are alike in terms of the growth response they induce, and some can even have positive effects on economic growth. Third, severe disasters often carry much worse effects than moderate effects do. Fourth, the timing of the growth response varies with both the type of natural disaster and the sector of economic activity. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Barriers and potential solutions toward optimal prophylaxis against deep vein thrombosis for hospitalized medical patients: A survey of healthcare professionals
Authors: Lloyd Nancy S. , Douketis James D. , Cheng Ji , Schünemann Holger J. , Cook Deborah J. , Thabane Lehana , Pai Menaka , Spencer Frederick A. , Haynes R. Brian 
Published: October 2011

AbstractOBJECTIVE:Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis remains underused in hospitalized medical patients despite strong recommendations that at‐risk patients should receive prophylaxis. To understand this gap between knowledge and practice, we surveyed clinicians' perceptions about the importance of DVT prophylaxis, barriers to guideline implementation, and interventions to optimize prophylaxis.METHODS:Paper‐ and electronic mail‐based surveys were sent to 1553 internists, nurses, pharmacists, and physiotherapists in Ontario, Canada. Responses were scored on 7‐point Likert scales. An important barrier to optimal DVT prophylaxis was 1 with a mean score ≥5, and interventions with high potential success or feasibility were those with mean scores ≥5.RESULTS:DVT prophylaxis was perceived as important by all clinician groups but this did not appear to translate into knowledge about underutilization of current DVT prophylaxis strategies. Physicians and pharmacists recognized the underuse of DVT prophylaxis in medical patients, while nurses and physiotherapists tended to perceive prophylaxis strategies as appropriate. Lack of clear indications and contraindications for prophylaxis and concerns about bleeding risks were perceived as important barriers. Preprinted orders were considered the most potentially successful and feasible way to optimize prophylaxis.CONCLUSIONS:A considerable barrier to optimal DVT prophylaxis utilization may be that those healthcare providers best able to conduct a daily assessment of patients' need for prophylaxis underrecognize the problem that prophylaxis is underutilized in this population. Interventions to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice should consider preprinted orders outlining DVT risk factors, and educating front‐line care providers prior to implementation of a top‐down approach. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011;. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine
Adverse outcomes associated with delayed intensive care unit transfers in an integrated healthcare system
Authors: Liu Vincent , Kipnis Patricia , Rizk Norman W. , Escobar Gabriel J. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND:Patients with intensive care unit (ICU) transfers from hospital wards have higher mortality than those directly admitted from the emergency department.OBJECTIVE:To describe the association between the timing of unplanned ICU transfers and hospital outcomes.DESIGN, SETTING, PATIENTS:Evaluation of 6369 early (within 24 hours of hospital admission) unplanned ICU transfer cases and matched directly admitted ICU controls from an integrated healthcare system. Cohorts were matched by predicted mortality, age, gender, diagnosis, and admission characteristics. Hospital mortality of cases and controls were compared based on elapsed time and diagnosis.RESULTS:More than 5% of patients admitted through the emergency department experienced an unplanned ICU transfer; the incidence and rates of transfers were highest within the first 24 hours of hospitalization. Multivariable matching produced 5839 (92%) case‐control pairs. Median length of stay was higher among cases (5.0 days) than controls (4.1 days, P < 0.01); mortality was also higher among cases (11.6%) than controls (8.5%, P < 0.01). Patients with early unplanned transfers were at an increased risk of death (odds ratio, 1.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.26‐1.64; P < 0.01); an increased risk of death was observed even among patients transferred within 8 hours of hospitalization. Hospital mortality differed based on admitting diagnosis categories. While it was higher among cases admitted for respiratory infections and gastrointestinal bleeding, it was not different for those with acute myocardial infarction, sepsis, and stroke.CONCLUSIONS:Early unplanned ICU transfers—even within 8 hours of hospitalization—are associated with increased mortality; outcomes vary by elapsed time to transfer and admitting diagnosis. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011;. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Crucial nesting habitat for gunnison sage‐grouse: A spatially explicit hierarchical approach
Authors: Aldridge Cameron L. , Saher D. Joanne , Childers Theresa M. , Stahlnecker Kenneth E. , Bowen Zachary H. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractGunnison sage‐grouse (Centrocercus minimus) is a species of special concern and is currently considered a candidate species under Endangered Species Act. Careful management is therefore required to ensure that suitable habitat is maintained, particularly because much of the species' current distribution is faced with exurban development pressures. We assessed hierarchical nest site selection patterns of Gunnison sage‐grouse inhabiting the western portion of the Gunnison Basin, Colorado, USA, at multiple spatial scales, using logistic regression‐based resource selection functions. Models were selected using Akaike Information Criterion corrected for small sample sizes (AICc) and predictive surfaces were generated using model averaged relative probabilities. Landscape‐scale factors that had the most influence on nest site selection included the proportion of sagebrush cover >5%, mean productivity, and density of 2 wheel‐drive roads. The landscape‐scale predictive surface captured 97% of known Gunnison sage‐grouse nests within the top 5 of 10 prediction bins, implicating 57% of the basin as crucial nesting habitat. Crucial habitat identified by the landscape model was used to define the extent for patch‐scale modeling efforts. Patch‐scale variables that had the greatest influence on nest site selection were the proportion of big sagebrush cover >10%, distance to residential development, distance to high volume paved roads, and mean productivity. This model accurately predicted independent nest locations. The unique hierarchical structure of our models more accurately captures the nested nature of habitat selection, and allowed for increased discrimination within larger landscapes of suitable habitat. We extrapolated the landscape‐scale model to the entire Gunnison Basin because of conservation concerns for this species. We believe this predictive surface is a valuable tool which can be incorporated into land use and conservation planning as well the assessment of future land‐use scenarios. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
LRRK2 haplotype‐sharing analysis in Parkinson's disease reveals a novel p.S1761R mutation
Authors: Lorenzo‐Betancor Oswaldo , Samaranch Lluís , Ezquerra Mario , Tolosa Eduardo , Lorenzo Elena , Irigoyen Jaione , Gaig Carles , Pastor María A. , Soto‐Ortolaza Alexandra I. , Ross Owen A. , Rodríguez‐Oroz María C. , Valldeoriola Francesc , Martí María J. , Luquin María R. , Perez‐Tur Jordi , Burguera Juan A. , Obeso José A. , Pastor Pau 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground and objective.Mutations in the Leucine‐Rich Repeat Kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene at chromosome 12q12 are the most common genetic cause of sporadic and familial late‐onset Parkinson's disease. Our aim was to identify novel LRRK2 mutations in late‐onset Parkinson's disease families.Design.We analyzed chromosome 12p11.2‐q13.1 haplotypes in 14 late‐onset Parkinson's disease families without known LRRK2 mutations.Results.Haplotype analysis identified 12 families in which the affected subjects shared chromosome 12p11.2‐q13.1 haplotypes. LRRK2 sequencing revealed a novel co‐segregating missense mutation in exon 36 (c.5281A>C; p.S1761R) located within a highly conserved region of the COR [C‐terminal of ROC (Ras of complex proteins)] domain wherein it could deregulate LRRK2 kinase activity by modifying ROC‐COR dimer stability. p.S1761R was present in a late‐onset Parkinson's disease family and in 2 unrelated Parkinson's disease subjects, but not in 2491 healthy controls. LRRK2 p.S1761R carriers developed levodopa‐responsive asymmetrical parkinsonism, with variable age at onset (range: 37–72 years) suggesting age‐dependent penetrance. These findings indicate that mutations interfering with LRRK2 ROC‐COR domain dimerization lead to typical Parkinson's disease. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Sensory sensitivity to external stimuli in Tourette syndrome patients
Authors: Belluscio Beth A. , Jin Lily , Watters Veronica , Lee Tiffany H. , Hallett Mark 
Published: October 2011

AbstractPatients with Tourette Syndrome often state that their sensitivity to sensations is equally or more disruptive than are motor tics. However, their sensory sensitivity is not addressed by standard clinical assessments nor is it a focus of research. This lapse likely results from our limited awareness and understanding of the symptom. In this study (1) we defined the patients' experience of sensitivity to external stimuli in detail, and (2) we tested 2 hypotheses regarding its origin. First, we interviewed in depth and administered a lengthy questionnaire to adult Tourette patients (n = 19) and age‐matched healthy volunteers (n = 19). Eighty percent of patients described heightened sensitivity to external stimuli, with examples among all 5 sensory modalities. Bothersome stimuli were characterized as faint, repetitive or constant, and nonsalient, whereas intense stimuli were well tolerated. We then determined whether the sensitivity could be the result of an increased ability to detect faint stimuli. After measuring the threshold of detection for olfactory and tactile stimuli among the patients and healthy volunteers, we found no significant differences between them for either sensory modality. These results indicate that patients' perceived sensitivity derives from altered central processing rather than enhanced peripheral detection. Last, we assessed one aspect of processing: the perception of intensity. When subjects rated the intensity of near‐threshold tactile and olfactory stimuli, there was a surprising difference: Tourette patients more frequently used the lowest range of the scale than did healthy volunteers. Future research is necessary to define the anatomical and physiological basis of the patients' experience of heightened sensitivity. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and subtypes in autopsy‐confirmed dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Dugger Brittany N. , Boeve Bradley F. , Murray Melissa E. , Parisi Joseph E. , Fujishiro Hiroshige , Dickson Dennis W. , Ferman Tanis J. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine whether dementia with Lewy bodies with and without probable rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder differ clinically or pathologically. Patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) with probable rapid eye movement sleep behavior sleep disorder (n = 71) were compared with those without it (n = 19) on demographics, clinical variables (core features of dementia with Lewy bodies, dementia duration, rate of cognitive/motor changes), and pathologic indices (Lewy body distribution, neuritic plaque score, Braak neurofibrillary tangle stage). Individuals with probable rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder were predominantly male (82% vs 47%) and had a shorter duration of dementia (mean, 8 vs 10 years), earlier onset of parkinsonism (mean, 2 vs 5 years), and earlier onset of visual hallucinations (mean, 3 vs 6 years). These patients also had a lower Braak neurofibrillary tangle stage (stage IV vs stage VI) and lower neuritic plaque scores (18% vs 85% frequency), but no difference in Lewy body distribution. When probable rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder developed early (at or before dementia onset), the onset of parkinsonism and hallucinations was earlier and Braak neurofibrillary tangle stage was lower compared with those who developed the sleep disorder after dementia onset. Women with autopsy‐confirmed DLB without a history of dream enactment behavior during sleep had a later onset of hallucinations and parkinsonism and a higher Braak NFT stage. Probable rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder is associated with distinct clinical and pathologic characteristics of dementia with Lewy bodies. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Coupled‐fed loop antenna with branch radiators for internal LTE/WWAN laptop computer antenna
Authors: Wong Kin‐Lu , Ma Pei‐Ji 
Published: October 2011

AbstractA new antenna structure of internal long‐term evolution/wireless wide area network (698–960/1710–2690 MHz) laptop computer antenna formed by a coupled‐fed loop antenna connected with two branch radiators is presented. The two branch radiators consist of one longer strip and one shorter strip, both being efficient radiators and contributing multiresonant modes to greatly enhance the bandwidth of the antenna. The antenna's lower band is formed by a dual‐resonant mode mainly contributed by the longer branch strip, while the upper band is formed by three resonant modes contributed respectively by one higher‐order resonant mode of the longer branch strip, one resonant mode of the coupled‐fed loop antenna alone, and one resonant mode of the shorter branch strip. The antenna's lower and upper bands can therefore cover the desired 698–960 and 1710–2690 MHz bands, respectively. The proposed antenna is suitable to be mounted at the top shielding metal wall of the display ground of the laptop computer and occupies a small volume of 4 × 10 × 75 mm3 above the top shielding metal wall, which makes it promising to be embedded inside the casing of the laptop computer as an internal antenna. Details of the proposed antenna are studied in the paper. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52:2662–2667, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25556
A novel monopole antenna for ultra‐wide band application
Authors: Hong Tao , Gong Shu‐Xi , Jiang Wen , Liu Ying 
Published: October 2011

AbstractA novel ultra‐wideband monopole antenna is presented in this article. The radiation element of the proposed antenna is composed of dual‐ring connected by several metallic via holes. The structure of the radiating ground is a rectangle with two rounding chamfers. They are printed on the substrate with dielectric permittivity of 2.65. Radiation characteristics of the proposed antenna are studied. The results show that the proposed antenna has favorable ultra‐wide band‐related performances. The proposed antenna serves as a good candidate for the future design of ultra‐wide band antennas. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52:2694–2696, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25558
Single elements for low cost planar antenna arrays for consumer applications beyond 100 GHz
Authors: Herrero Pablo , Jacob Martin , Schoebel Joerg 
Published: October 2011

AbstractSingle planar element designs working at frequencies around 122 GHz are presented. The structures are designed keeping in mind future commercial applications that might arise in mm‐wave bands. Therefore, structures are explored with different radiation patterns. The antennas are implemented using commercial substrate and common photolithography to meet low cost requirements of consumer applications. Matching and radiation pattern was measured showing very good agreement simulations. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52:2685–2688, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25563
Effect of ground plane size on radiation pattern in IFF/SSR microstrip antenna on thick substrate fed by H type slot
Authors: Zieniutycz W. , Mazur M. , Pergol M. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractNumerical and experimental study of the effect of the ground plane size on radiation pattern of microstrip antenna on thick substrate is presented in the article. First the results of simulations and measurements of reference microstrip antenna are shown. Next the ground plane sizes were reduced in both x and y directions and the side lobes and backward lobe levels were calculated and measured. It was shown how far we can reduce the size of ground plane without important deterioration of the antenna pattern. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52:2679–2682, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25568