bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modelling conditional heteroscedasticity and jumps in Australian short‐term interest rates
Authors: Chan Kam Fong 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe present paper explores a class of jump–diffusion models for the Australian short‐term interest rate. The proposed general model incorporates linear mean‐reverting drift, time‐varying volatility in the form of LEVELS (sensitivity of the volatility to the levels of the short‐rates) and generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH), as well as jumps, to match the salient features of the short‐rate dynamics. Maximum likelihood estimation reveals that pure diffusion models that ignore the jump factor are mis‐specified in the sense that they imply a spuriously high speed of mean‐reversion in the level of short‐rate changes as well as a spuriously high degree of persistence in volatility. Once the jump factor is incorporated, the jump models that can also capture the GARCH‐induced volatility produce reasonable estimates of the speed of mean reversion. The introduction of the jump factor also yields reasonable estimates of the GARCH parameters. Overall, the LEVELS–GARCH–JUMP model fits the data best.
Run length and the predictability of stock price reversals
Authors: Yao Juan , Partington Graham , Stevenson Max 
Published: December 2005

AbstractSurvival analysis is used to estimate time‐varying probabilities of price reversals using daily data for the Australian All Ordinaries Price Index. Lagged price changes lead to persistence (shortening) in a price run if they are of the same (opposite) sign as the run. An increase in the number of runs observed in the previous 30 days also increases the probability of price reversal. The predictive accuracy of the models is assessed using a probability scoring rule. Consistent with market efficiency, the estimated models are less accurate than the random walk model in predicting the length of individual price runs out‐of‐sample.
Debt as a source of financial stress in Australian households
Authors: Worthington Andrew C. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThis paper examines the role of demographic, socio‐economic and debt portfolio characteristics as contributors to financial stress in Australian households. The data are drawn from the most recent Household Expenditure Survey and relate to 3268 probability‐weighted households. Financial stress is defined, among other things, in terms of financial reasons for being unable to have a holiday, to have meals with family and friends, to engage in hobbies and other leisure activities, and general money management. Characteristics examined include family structure and composition, source and level of household income, age, gender and marital status, ethnic background, housing value, debt repayment of various types and credit card usage. Binary logit models are used to identify the source and magnitude of factors associated with financial stress. The evidence provided suggests that financial stress is higher in families with more children and those from ethnic minorities, especially when reliant on government pensions and benefits, and lower in families with higher disposable incomes and housing values. There is weak evidence that Australia's historically high levels of household debt cause financial stress.
Interpersonal influence and consumer innovativeness
Authors: Clark Ronald A. , Goldsmith Ronald E. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractInnovators represent a small and somewhat elusive group of consumers who are often the earliest adopters of new products. As such, marketing researchers and practitioners alike are interested in determining the personality characteristics that influence innovators to purchase a new product early in the product life cycle. This correlational study examined the relationships of three of these characteristics (susceptibility to interpersonal influence, attention to social comparison information, and role‐relaxed consumption) to individual innate innovativeness. Data were collected using self‐report surveys administered to 326 students at a large public university in the south‐east United States. The results supported hypothesized negative relationships between consumer innovativeness and both susceptibility to interpersonal influence and attention to social comparison information, as well as a positive relationship between consumer innovativeness and role‐relaxed consumption.
Consumer attitude toward US versus domestic apparel in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Yun , Heitmeyer Jeanne 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThis study investigates whether or not consumer attitudes toward domestic‐ vs. US‐made apparel differ among consumers in Taiwan. Variables to be examined include (1) apparel attributes; (2) self‐concept; and (3) demographics. The Fishbein attitude model was used to measure consumer attitudes. The mall‐intercept method was used to collect most data in four major cities of Taiwan. A total of 485 Taiwanese consumers completed and returned useable questionnaires. Results indicated that consumer attitudes toward Taiwan vs. US‐made apparel differed significantly among consumers in Taiwan. Consumers had an overall more positive attitude towards US‐made apparel compared with Taiwan‐made apparel with regards to care instruction label, colour, quality, apparel fibre content, fashionableness, attractiveness, brand name, and comfort apparel attributes. For self‐concept variables only modest/vain and thrifty/indulgent had a significant difference between consumers who preferred US‐ over Taiwan‐made apparel. Demographic factors of age, gender, education, residence area, travelled abroad and country‐of‐origin preference had a significant relationship with consumer attitudes toward apparel. This study is aimed at understanding Taiwanese consumers’ attitudes toward foreign‐made apparel. Overall, Taiwanese consumers preferred US‐made apparel; however, the apparel attribute of size range needed improvement to increase customers’ satisfaction.
Testing for Down syndrome in the older woman: a risky business?
Authors: HODGES Ryan J. , WALLACE Euan M. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractFor over 30 years, antenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome has been offered on the basis of advanced maternal age. While this was appropriate in the 1970s, developments in antenatal screening have rendered this a most inefficient strategy that is associated with excessive costs and procedure‐related pregnancy losses. In this article we argue for a review of how we test for Down syndrome in the older woman.
Placenta praevia: maternal morbidity and place of birth
Authors: OLIVE Emily C. , ROBERTS Christine L. , ALGERT Charles S. , MORRIS Jonathan M. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackground:  International guidelines recommend that women with placenta praevia should be delivered by an experienced operator at a hospital with an on‐site blood bank.Aim:  To determine the risk factors, level of care at the birth hospital and incidence of maternal morbidity for women with placenta praevia.Methods:  Data were obtained from linked hospital separation and perinatal databases for 375 790 women giving birth in a NSW hospital, 1998–2002. We defined clinically significant placenta praevia as those women who were delivered by Caesarean section at or after 26 weeks gestation. Outcomes for women with and without placenta praevia were compared. Among women with placenta praevia, antenatal predictors of maternal morbidity were assessed.Results:  A total of 1612 (4.3/1000) women had significant placenta praevia. Women with placenta praevia were more likely to be older, have a prior Caesarean section, require general anaesthetic for delivery and deliver preterm. Among women with placenta praevia, 61% delivered in hospitals with 24‐h on site blood banks, 33% in hospitals with on‐call blood bank services after hours and 6% in hospitals with no blood bank. Two hundred and twenty three (14%) women with placenta praevia suffered a major morbidity (OR = 15.0, 95%CI 12.9–17.4). The proportion of this morbidity that occurred among women delivered electively at term was 40% in hospitals with 24 h blood banks and 55% in other hospitals (P = 0.06).Conclusions:  For women with placenta praevia, the risk of major morbidity is high, yet 39% deliver in hospitals without immediate access to a 24‐h blood bank. Australian guidelines on the appropriate level of care for women with placenta praevia are needed.
Transcortical Cooling Inhibits Hippocampal‐kindled Seizures in the Rat
Authors: Burton Justin M. , Peebles Gregory A. , Binder Devin K. , Rothman Steven M. , Smyth Matthew D. 
Published: November 2005

Summary:  Purpose: When epileptogenic regions encroach on eloquent brain, surgery may incur unacceptable deficits. Reversible cooling may control seizures while preserving function. We describe the effects of cooling kindled seizures in awake, freely moving rats. Methods: We kindled rats after placement of a bipolar electrode and a copper cooling coil in dorsal hippocampus. Fully kindled animals (three consecutive grade 5 seizures) were cooled to one of two target temperatures (24° or 27°C) for 3 min preceding a kindling stimulation and 2 minutes after. We compared seizure score (0–5) and afterdischarge duration (ADD) with and without cooling. Target temperatures were confirmed in identical animals by using a needle thermocouple advanced to the kindling target while circulating coolant. Results: Circulation of 16°C and 8°C coolant reliably achieved transcortical cooling of the hippocampal target to 27.0 ± 1.2°C and 23.8 ± 2.0°C, respectively, by 180 s. Cooling with 16°C coolant (n = 5) significantly reduced seizure scores from 5 to 2.57 ± 1.56, and ADD from 142 ± 94.5 s to 45.7 ± 20.5 s. Cooling with 8°C coolant (n = 5) reduced seizure scores from 5 to 2.0 ± 0.42, and ADD from 132.3 ± 29.6 s to 55.5 ± 25.9 s. In 33.3% of all cooled stimulations, grade 0 seizures resulted; grade 5 seizures recurred during subsequent stimulations when cooling was withheld. Conclusions: Fully kindled, tonic–clonic seizures can be suppressed or aborted with periictal cooling of the kindling target. Anticonvulsant activity occurred at temperatures well above those known to result in tissue injury or inhibition of normal neurologic function. These findings have important implications for the potential use of implantable cooling devices in humans with refractory epilepsies in or near eloquent cortex or dominant hippocampal formations.
Platelet ADP response deteriorates in synthetic storage media
Authors: Keuren Jeffrey F.W. , Cauwenberghs Sandra , Heeremans Judith , De Kort Wim , Heemskerk Johan W.M. , Curvers Joyce 
Published: December 2005

BACKGROUND:  During storage under blood bank conditions, platelets (PLTs) are known to secrete ADP. PLT stimulation by ADP results in refractoriness to restimulation, making this response one of the most unstable PLT reactions. The goal of this study was to evaluate the ADP‐induced responses of PLTs stored in full plasma or in plasma and additive solution (AS).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  Surface expression of P‐selectin, ADP‐induced aggregation, and reconstituted whole‐blood thrombus formation were determined on collagen surfaces in a perfusion model with PLTs that were stored for 4 days either in plasma or in the presence of plasma with PAS‐II or Composol.RESULTS:  After 4 days of storage in PAS‐II but not in Composol, the percentage of PLTs that had secreted granule contents (P‐selectin) was increased, when compared to PLTs stored in full plasma. Maximal aggregation in response to ADP was reduced for PLTs stored in PAS‐II or Composol. Resuspension of these PLTs in plasma at 37°C for 1 hour caused partial recovery of the aggregation response. Addition of apyrase to PLTs in AS preserved the responsiveness toward ADP. Titration experiments indicated that this response gradually decreased with decreasing plasma concentration. The functional significance of these findings was demonstrated by perfusion experiments. Thrombus formation on collagen was significantly higher for PLTs stored in full plasma than for PLTs stored in PAS‐II or Composol.CONCLUSIONS:  Storage of PLTs in the presence of AS under blood bank conditions induces deterioration of the PLT responsiveness to ADP compared to PLT concentrates in 100 percent plasma. Higher plasma‐to‐AS ratios result in better preserved responses.
Release of platelet‐derived growth factors and proliferation of fibroblasts in the releasates from platelets stored in the liquid state at 22°C after stimulation with agonists
Authors: Valeri C. Robert , Saleem Batool , Ragno Gina 
Published: December 2005

BACKGROUND:  Fresh platelet (PLT)‐rich plasma (PRP) treated with thrombin plus calcium chloride (CaCl2) is used to prepare a PLT gel to promote hemostasis and wound healing in a variety of surgical procedures. The effects of various agonists on stimulating the release of growth factors from liquid‐preserved PLTs and the effects of the PLT releasate on the growth of fibroblasts in tissue culture were investigated.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  Plateletpheresis PLTs stored at 22°C as high‐yield PLTs for 3 to 6 days or outdated PLTs for 9 days were treated with agonists to assess release of platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) AA, PDGF AB, PDGF BB, transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), and osteocalcin and the proliferation of fibroblasts treated with the PLT releasates in tissue culture.RESULTS:  All treatments except for CaCl2 alone and zeolite‐CaCl2 produced significant increases in PDGF AA compared to PRP. Thrombin‐CaCl2 produced significant increases in PDGF BB. Treatment by all the agonists produced similar increases in PDGF AB. TGF‐β1 and osteocalcin levels after treatment were similar to those in PRP. PRP releasate before and after stimulation with different agonists increased proliferation of fibroblasts in tissue culture.CONCLUSION:  High‐yield and outdated liquid‐preserved PLTs released PDGF AA, AB, and BB but not TGF‐β1 or osteocalcin. The releasate from untreated PRP stimulated the proliferation of fibroblasts in tissue culture similar to the releasates from PRP treated with the different agonists. Further studies are needed to assess whether or not high‐yield and outdated PLTs may be useful in wound healing.
Controlled‐rate versus uncontrolled‐rate freezing as predictors for platelet cryopreservation efficacy
Authors: Balint Bela , Paunovic Dragica , Vucetic Dusan , Vojvodic Danilo , Petakov Marijana , Trkuljic Miroljub , Stojanovic Nevenka 
Published: December 2005

BACKGROUND:  Cryobiologic variables responsible for cell injuries and freezing techniques applicable in medical cryopractice should be revised and/or reengineered for minimizing cryoinjuries and maximizing cell recovery. In this study, the efficacy of different cryopreservation protocols based on platelet (PLT) recovery was evaluated.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  PLTs (n = 33) were prepared from whole‐blood units. Cell count and viability, PLT morphologic score (PMS), and hypotonic shock response were determined. PLT surface antigens were measured by flow cytometry. Controlled‐rate (with compensated fusion heat) and uncontrolled‐rate freezing methods combined with 6 percent dimethyl sulfoxide were used.RESULTS:  PLT recovery was superior in the controlled‐rate setting (91.0 ± 5.5 vs. 86.0 ± 6.5; p < 0.05). PMS was significantly better in controlled‐rate freezing (p < 0.01). GPIb/CD42b expression was reduced in both freezing groups versus control. GP140/CD62p expression was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the controlled‐rate group and in both frozen groups was significantly higher than in the control groups.CONCLUSION:  The use of strictly equalized (1°C/min) controlled‐rate freezing, combined with an intensified cooling rate (2°C/min) during the liquid–to–solid‐phase transition period, allows advanced quantitative and qualitative PLT recovery, even though the minor intergroup differences for some variables were observed.
Processing of Microcellular Mullite
Authors: Kim Young‐Wook , Kim Hai‐Doo , Park Chul B. 
Published: December 2005

A new processing route for manufacturing partially interconnected open‐cell, microcellular mullite ceramics has been developed. The strategy adopted for making microcellular mullite ceramics entailed the following steps: (i) fabricating a formed body from combining polysiloxane, Al2O3 (a reactive filler), polymer microbeads (used as sacrificial templates), and Y2O3 (a sintering additive); (ii) cross‐linking the polysiloxane in the formed body; (iii) transforming the polysiloxane by pyrolysis into SiO2; and (iv) synthesizing mullite by reacting SiO2 and Al2O3. By controlling the sintering temperature and the microbead and additive contents, it was possible to adjust the porosity so that it ranged from 38% to 85%. The compressive strengths of the microcellular ceramics with ∼40% and ∼70% porosities were ∼90 and ∼10 MPa, respectively. The superior compressive strengths were attributed to the homogeneous distribution of small (≤20 μm), spherical cells with dense struts in the microcellular ceramics.
Comparison of the Magnetic, Conduction, and Magnetotransport Behaviors of Ba2+‐ and Al3+‐Doped La0.67Ca0.33MnO3
Authors: Fang Tsang‐Tse , Lu E. , Ho Hei‐Fong 
Published: December 2005

A modified Pechini method was used to prepare undoped and doped La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 (LCMO) with homogeneous compositions and uniform fine powders. The variations of the lattice parameters and cell volumes of doped LCMO are attributed to the effect of ionic size and the creation of the oxygen vacancy. The effect of Ba2+ on the magnetic and conduction properties of LCMO is mainly related to the enhancement of the Mn3+–O–Mn4+ bond angle. The occupation of Al ions in Mn sites and the creation of the oxygen vacancies lead to an increase of the resistivity and a decrease of Tc and Ms. The variable‐range hopping model with p=1/4 and ρ0 independent of temperature was found to be the best fit for undoped and doped LCMO, shown in Fig. 4. It is suggested that T0 is mainly the measure of the extent of the disorder. For Al3+‐doped LCMO, the small‐polaron mechanism was found to be dominant in the temperature range from 300 to 350 K, and the evaluated values of the activation energy are about 0.22 eV and independent of the Al concentration. Low‐field magnetoresistance (LFMR) was found to be enhanced by Ba doping but diminished by Al doping. The segregation of Al ions to the grain‐boundary region may play a significant role in the intent to form a one‐slope field‐dependent MR response. The mechanisms of MR response of doped LCMO were suggested.  Resistivity as a function of temperature showing that the best fit was the variable‐range hopping model with p=1/4 and ρ0 independent of temperature for (a) La0.67(Ca1−xBax)0.33MnO3 in the temperature range from 300 to 430 K, (b) La0.67Ca0.33(Mn1−yAly)O3 in the temperature range from 260 K to Tc, and the small‐polaron mechanism (ρ=CT exp (Ea/kT) for (c) La0.67Ca0.33(Mn1−yAly)O3, in the temperature range from 300 to 350 K.image
Visual impairment in Finnish Usher syndrome type III
Authors: Plantinga Rutger F. , Pennings Ronald J. E. , Huygen Patrick L. M. , Sankila Eeva‐Marja , Tuppurainen Kaija , Kleemola Leenamaija , Cremers Cor W. R. J. , Deutman August F. 
Published: December 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate visual impairment in Finnish Usher syndrome type 3 (USH3) and compare this with visual impairment in Usher syndrome types 1b (USH1b) and 2a (USH2a). Methods:  We carried out a retrospective study of 28 Finnish USH3 patients, 24 Dutch USH2a patients and 17 Dutch USH1b patients. Cross‐sectional regression analyses of the functional acuity score (FAS), functional field score (FFS*) and functional vision score (FVS*) related to age were performed for all patients. The FFS* and FVS* were calculated using the isoptre V‐4 test target instead of the usual III‐4 target. Statistical tests relating to regression lines and Student's t‐test were used to compare between USH3 patients and the other genetic subtypes of Usher syndrome. Results:  Cross‐sectional analyses revealed significant deterioration in the FAS (1.3% per year), FFS* (1.4% per year) and FVS* (1.8% per year) with advancing age in the USH3 patient group. At a given age the USH3 patients showed significantly poorer visual field function than the USH2a patients. Conclusions:  The rate of deterioration in visual function in Finnish USH3 patients was fairly similar to that in Dutch USH1b or USH2a patients. At a given age, visual field impairment in USH3 patients was similar to that in USH1b patients but poorer than in USH2a patients.
Why do People Believe Weird Things?
Authors: Matthews Robert 
Published: November 2005

Abstract
From claims that NASA faked the moon landings to creationist rejections of evolution, many people hold views that fl y in the face of evidence. By refusing to be swayed by hard facts, such people are clearly irrational—or are they? Robert Matthews argues that the frustration of scientists over the persistence of “irrational” beliefs highlights their own misconceptions about the process of inference.
Transgenic Paulownia Expressing shiva‐1 Gene Has Increased Resistance to Paulownia Witches' Broom Disease
Authors: DU Tao , WANG Yao , HU Qin‐Xue , CHEN Jie , LIU Sheng , HUANG Wen‐Jin , LIN Mu‐Lan 
Published: December 2005

Abstract: Stem segments from diseased Paulownia tomentosa ×P. fortunei and leaves from healthy control were transformed with the expression vector p438PRSI via Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The p43 8PRSI vector contained shiva‐1 gene, which encodes an antibacterial peptide under the control of a CaMV35S promoter. The regenerated plants from transformed explants were planted in a greenhouse and nursery. PCR and Southern blotting analysis showed that the shiva‐1 gene was successfully integrated into the Paulownia genome. Transcription of the integrated shiva‐1 gene was confirmed by RT‐PCR. Bioassay in the green house and phytoplasma DNA‐dot blotting demonstrated that resistance to Paulownia witch's broom disease (PWB) increased significantly in shiva‐1 ‐transgenic Paulownia. Further investigations indicated that higher Shiva‐1 expression correlated with fewer phytoplasma and less symptoms in diseased transgenic Paulownia. Together, our findings strongly suggest that breeding shiva‐1‐Paulownia is an effective strategy to control PWB disease.(Managing editor: Li‐Hui ZHAO)
SPINNING DISC MEASUREMENT OF TWO‐STAGE CLEANING OF HEAT TRANSFER FOULING DEPOSITS OF MILK
Authors: MORISON KEN R. , LARSEN SUSAN 
Published: December 2005

ABSTRACT The efficient and effective cleaning of milk protein – based deposits from heat transfer equipment is essential in the dairy industry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of two‐stage cleaning using acid and caustic. Stainless steel discs were fouled during heat transfer by skimmed milk and whey protein. The discs were then cleaned with acid and sodium hydroxide solutions under controlled mass transfer conditions using spinning disc techniques. The use of 0.5% nitric acid, and a commercial acid known as Triplex, as a rinse before caustic cleaning increased the cleaning rate by 2.5 times. The foulant was found to swell about 40% and calcium was leached out within 5 min after exposure to acid. The acid treatment is believed to cause a reduction in the viscosity, and hence an increase in dissolution, of the gel layer formed when caustic cleaning takes place.