bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does Centralisation of FX Derivative Usage Impact Firm Value?
Authors: Jankensgård Håkan 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPrevious research has shown that firms identified as derivative users tend to be valued at a premium relative to non‐users. In this paper I develop the hypothesis that the ‘derivative premium’ is higher in firms with centralised FX exposure management, compared to a decentralised approach in which subsidiaries retain bank contacts and/or decision‐making authority. This study benefits from unique survey data on the FX management practices and derivative usage of Swedish listed firms. The data supports the centralisation‐hypothesis. Firms with a centralised approach have a statistically significant derivative premium of around 15%, whereas there is no premium for decentralised firms.
Inferring Default Correlation from Equity Return Correlation
Authors: Liu Sheen , Qi Howard , Shi Jian , Xie Yan Alice 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis paper presents a new approach for estimating default correlation by linking default correlation to equity return correlation while preserving the fundamental relation between default and asset correlations in the structural framework. Our hybrid model thus overcomes a long‐standing empirical difficulty that default correlation estimation relies on the unobservable asset process. The empirical analysis shows that our hybrid model demonstrates a considerable improvement over the existing structural model of Zhou (2001) for the sample periods of 1970‐1993 and 1990‐2010. We also illustrate the difference between the two models in predicting default correlations over the period of the 2008 financial crisis.
Aquatic community structure across an Andes‐to‐Amazon fluvial gradient
Authors: Lujan Nathan K. , Roach Katherine A. , Jacobsen Dean , Winemiller Kirk O. , Vargas Vanessa Meza , Ching Vania Rimarachín , Maestre Jerry Arana 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimLittle is known about factors affecting the elevational and longitudinal zonation of tropical Andean stream communities. We investigated epilithon, macroinvertebrate and fish assemblages along a 4100‐m elevational–longitudinal gradient in an Andean headwater of the Amazon Basin. We interpret our results within the context of environmental factors, emphasizing temperature, as well as ecological theory relating shifts in metazoan functional feeding groups to shifts in basal resources along the fluvial continuum.LocationArazá‐Inambari‐Madre de Dios watershed, south‐eastern Peru.MethodsWe sampled water physicochemistry, epilithon and macroinvertebrate diversity and abundance, and fish diversity at 18 main‐stem and 14 tributary sites from high puna grasslands (4300 m a.s.l.) to Amazon Basin lowlands (200 m a.s.l.).ResultsWater physicochemical parameters and the taxonomic and ecological structure of invertebrate and fish assemblages displayed mostly nonlinear responses to elevation: water temperature and percentage of macroinvertebrate taxa identified as leaf shredders had U‐shaped responses; dissolved oxygen and percentage of macroinvertebrate taxa identified as grazers had hump‐shaped responses. Epilithon richness increased slightly with elevation whereas macroinvertebrate and fish richness decreased.Main conclusionsElevational gradients in physicochemical parameters are insufficient to explain abrupt and nonlinear shifts in community taxonomic and functional structure. Rather, trophic interactions, including predation and longitudinal turnover in basal food resources, seem to exert a stronger influence on the distributions of Andean aquatic organisms. A steep elevational decline in relative taxonomic diversity of leaf‐shredding (versus algae‐grazing) insects supports the hypothesis that temperature affects the functional composition of insect assemblages via its influence on microbial decomposition rates. This relationship, and the distributions of several insect and fish species across narrow elevational bands, suggests that Andean stream communities may be sensitive to global warming. Placer mining and road building impacts have already altered stream community structure, including the absence of many benthic species from low‐elevation habitats.
Metabolic syndrome as a predictor of type 2 diabetes, and its clinical interpretations and usefulness
Authors: Shin Jeong‐Ah , Lee Jin‐Hee , Lim Sun‐Young , Ha Hee‐Sung , Kwon Hyuk‐Sang , Park Yong‐Moon , Lee Won‐Chul , Kang Moo‐Il , Yim Hyeon‐Woo , Yoon Kun‐Ho , Son Ho‐Young 
Published: May 2013

AbstractMetabolic syndrome is defined as a cluster of glucose intolerance, hypertension, dyslipidemia and central obesity with insulin resistance as the source of pathogenesis. Although several different combinations of criteria have been used to define metabolic syndrome, a recently published consensus recommends the use of ethnic‐specific criteria, including waist circumference as an indicator of central obesity, triglyceride and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol as indicators of dyslipidemia, and blood pressure greater than 130/85 mmHg. The definition of dysglycemia, and whether central obesity and insulin resistance are essential components remain controversial. Regardless of the definition, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increasing in Western and Asian countries, particularly in developing areas undergoing rapid socioenvironmental changes. Numerous clinical trials have shown that metabolic syndrome is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes mellitus and all‐cause mortality. Therefore, metabolic syndrome might be useful as a practical tool to predict these two major metabolic disorders. Comprehensive management of risk factors is very important to the improvement of personal and public health. However, recent studies have focused on the role metabolic syndrome plays as a risk factor for CVD; its importance in the prediction of incident diabetes is frequently overlooked. In the present review, we summarize the known evidence supporting metabolic syndrome as a predictor for type 2 diabetes mellitus and CVD. Additionally, we suggest how metabolic syndrome might be useful in clinical practice, especially for the prediction of diabetes.
Survival and health‐related quality of life in patients with spinal metastases originated from primary hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Wei , Wu Juan , Xiao Jian‐Ru , Guo Qiang 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn recent years, there have been more and more clinical trails focused on patient‐reported outcomes (PRO), especially in the assessment of quality of life (QOL). Previous report on QOL assessment on patients with spinal metastases from primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is rare. And there is no standard treatment for those patients.ObjectiveThe purpose of the current study is to determine whether spinal surgery could improve QOL in HCC patients with spinal metastases and prolong their survival.MethodsWe conducted a single‐center, non‐randomized, prospective, longitudinal study in two groups: surgery group and non‐surgery group. When diagnosed, all eligible patients completed a baseline QOL assessment using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Hepatobiliary (FACT‐Hep) questionnaire. All patients’ quality of life was subsequently assessed again at another 4 time points: 1, 3, 6 and 9 months after diagnosis.ResultsFrom July 1, 2007 to March 31, 2009, we identified 62 patients (surgery group n = 29, non‐surgery group n = 33) who were eligible for the observational study. Only 21 patients in the surgery group and 22 patients in the non‐surgery group survived more than 9 months and completed all 5 follow‐up QOL assessments. The median survival time was 12.6 months in the surgery group and 13.7 months in the non‐surgery group (P = 0.530). The results suggested that whether in the surgery or non‐surgery group, QOL scores in 9‐month period after diagnosis decreased in the same mode, and surgical treatment for spinal metastases could improve neither patients’ QOL nor survival.ConclusionSpinal surgery could not provide benefits for patients with spinal metastases from HCC in QOL or survival. We do not recommend surgical treatment for patients with metastases from HCC to the spine.
Boosting Seed Development as a New Strategy to Increase Cotton Fiber Yield and Quality
Authors: Ruan Yong‐Ling 
Published: May 2013

AbstractCotton (Gossypium spp.) is the most important textile crop worldwide due to its cellulosic mature fibers, which are single‐celled hairs initiated from the cotton ovule epidermis at anthesis. Research to improve cotton fiber yield and quality in recent years has been largely focused on identifying genes regulating fiber cell initiation, elongation and cellulose synthesis. However, manipulating some of those candidate genes has yielded no effect or only a marginally positive effect on fiber yield or quality. On the other hand, evolutionary comparison and transgenic studies have clearly shown that cotton fiber growth is intimately controlled by seed development. Therefore, I propose that enhancing seed development could be a more effective and achievable strategy to increase fiber yield and quality.
Ligand Perception, Activation, and Early Signaling of Plant Steroid Receptor Brassinosteroid Insensitive 1
Authors: Jiang Jianjun , Zhang Chi , Wang Xuelu 
Published: May 2013

AbstractLeucine‐rich repeat receptor‐like kinases (LRR‐RLKs) belong to a large group of cell surface proteins involved in many aspects of plant development and environmental responses in both monocots and dicots. Brassinosteroid insensitive 1 (BRI1), a member of the LRR X subfamily, was first identified through several forward genetic screenings for mutants insensitive to brassinosteroids (BRs), which are a class of plant‐specific steroid hormones. Since its identification, BRI1 and its homologs had been proved as receptors perceiving BRs and initiating BR signaling. The co‐receptor BRI1‐associated kinase 1 and its homologs, and other BRI1 interacting proteins such as its inhibitor BRI1 kinase inhibitor 1 (BKI1) were identified by genetic and biochemical approaches. The detailed mechanisms of BR perception by BRI1 and the activation of BRI1 receptor complex have also been elucidated. Moreover, several mechanisms for termination of the activated BRI1 signaling were also discovered. In this review, we will focus on the recent advances on the mechanism of BRI1 phosphorylation and activation, the regulation of its receptor complex, the structure basis of BRI1 ectodomain and BR recognition, its direct substrates, and the termination of the activated BRI1 receptor complex.imageXuelu Wang(Corresponding author)
Effects of torsemide on pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of warfarin in humans and rats
Authors: Kim Han Oll , Lee Kyung Eun , Park Hee Yoon , Lee Na Ra , Oh Byeou Ree , Chang Byung Chul , Gwak Hye Sun 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of torsemide on warfarin therapy in humans and rats.

Methods
For the animal study, rats were orally dosed with warfarin (0.13 mg/kg, control group) or warfarin (0.13 mg/kg) with torsemide (2 mg/kg, low dose group and 10 mg/kg, high dose group). The pharmacodynamic response of warfarin was assessed by measuring the international normalized ratio (INR) for 5 consecutive days following drug administration. For the human study, 191 patients on warfarin with mechanical heart valves were followed up retrospectively. The stable dose was calculated as the mean dose in INR levels of 2–3 for 3 consecutive times.

Key findings
In the animal study, the INR, maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma drug concentration–time curve (AUC0–∞) of (S)-warfarin in the high dose group were significantly higher than in other groups (P &lt; 0.05). Compared with the control group, Cmax and AUC0–∞ of (R)-warfarin in the high and low dose groups were higher, whereas the volume of distribution/bioavailability and clearance/bioavailability were significantly lower (P &lt; 0.05). In the univariate analysis of the clinical study, diuretics significantly lowered stable warfarin doses (P = 0.016) (5.07 ± 1.78 mg/day vs 5.77 ± 1.81 mg/day). After controlling confounding variables, the effects of diuretics were found to lower the warfarin dose by 0.464 mg.

Conclusions
It was concluded that warfarin dose needs to be lowered when it is used concomitantly with diuretics.
Investigation into mixing capability and solid dispersion preparation using the DSM Xplore Pharma Micro Extruder
Authors: Sakai Toshiro , Thommes Markus 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Objectives
The goal of this investigation was to qualify the DSM Xplore Pharma Micro Extruder as a formulation screening tool for early-stage hot-melt extrusion.

Methods
Dispersive and distributive mixing was investigated using soluplus, copovidone or basic butylated methacrylate copolymer with sodium chloride (NaCl) in a batch size of 5 g. Eleven types of solid dispersions were prepared using various drugs and carriers in batches of 5 g in accordance with the literature.

Key findings
The dispersive mixing was a function of screw speed and recirculation time and the particle size was remarkably reduced after 1 min of processing, regardless of the polymers. An inverse relationship between the particle size and specific mechanical energy (SME) was also found. The SME values were higher than those in large-scale extruders. After 1 min recirculation at 200 rpm, the uniformity of NaCl content met the criteria of the European Pharmacopoeia, indicating that distributive mixing was achieved in this time. For the solid dispersions preparations, the results from different scanning calorimetry, powder X-ray diffractometry and in-vitro dissolution tests confirmed that all solid-dispersion systems were successfully prepared.

Conclusions
These findings demonstrated that the extruder is a useful tool to screen solid-dispersion formulations and their material properties on a small scale.
Impact of Salt Granulometry and Method of Incorporation of Salt on the Salty and Texture Perception of Model Pizza Dough
Authors: Guilloux Marion , Prost Carole , Catanéo Clément , Leray Guénaelle , Chevallier Sylvie , Le Bail Alain , Lethuaut Laurent 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe aim of this study was to understand the impact of salt granulometry and the method of incorporation on the saltiness and texture perception of model pizza dough formulated without fat. Three salt granulometries and three methods of incorporation of salt were evaluated. Sensory methods were used to determine perceived saltiness and texture. Instrumental methods were performed to assess in vitro salt release. Salt granulometry did not seem to have an influence on saltiness and texture perception, except for coarse salt that had a particular behavior. Methods of incorporation of salt did not seem to have an impact on saltiness perception. These results were correlated to in vitro salt release. Methods of incorporation influenced texture perception, particularly in samples made with pre‐dissolved salt. These results are discussed in relation to a modification of the development of the gluten network and starch gelatinization, inducing a change in textural properties. Product texture did not seem to influence saltiness perception. These findings underline the complexity of saltiness perception.Practical ApplicationsSalt reduction in food is becoming a major concern of public health authorities. Salt is used as a taste and flavor enhancer, and is involved in food preservation and food structure, particularly in bakery products for the development of the gluten network. This is why reducing the sodium content without altering organoleptic properties represents a major challenge for the food industry. This work presents the feasibility of varying salt granulometry and methods of incorporation as an efficient way of modifying saltiness and texture perception in order to reduce the salt content of pizza dough.
Stepping‐stone expansion and habitat loss explain a peculiar genetic structure and distribution of a forest insect
Authors: Cassel‐Lundhagen Anna , Ronnås Cecilia , Battisti Andrea , Wallén Johan , Larsson Stig 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIt is challenging to unravel the history of organisms with highly scattered populations. Such species may have fragmented distributions because extant populations are remnants of a previously more continuous range, or because the species has narrow habitat requirements in combination with good dispersal capacity (naturally or vector borne). The northern pine processionary mothThaumetopoea pinivorahas a scattered distribution with fragmented populations in two separate regions, northern and south‐westernEurope. The aims of this study were to explore the glacial and postglacial history ofT. pinivora, and add to the understanding of its current distribution and level of contemporary gene flow. We surveyed published records of its occurrence and analysed individuals from a representative subset of populations across the range. A 633 bp long fragment of the mtDNA COIgene was sequenced and nine polymorphic microsatellite loci were genotyped. Only nine nucleotide sites were polymorphic in theCOIgene and 90% of the individuals from across its whole range shared the same haplotype. The microsatellite diversity gradually declined towards the north, and unique alleles were found in only three of the northern and three of southern sites. Genetic structuring did not indicate complete isolation among regions, but an increase of genetic isolation by geographic distance. ApproximateBayesian model choice suggested recent divergence during the postglacial period, but glacial refugia remain unidentified. The progressive reduction of suitable habitats is suggested to explain the genetic structure of the populations and we suggest thatT. pinivorais a cold‐tolerant relict species, with situation‐dependent dispersal.
The C‐terminal linker of Escherichia coli FtsZ functions as an intrinsically disordered peptide
Authors: Gardner Kiani A. J. Arkus , Moore Desmond A. , Erickson Harold P. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryThe tubulin homologue FtsZ provides the cytoskeletal framework and constriction force for bacterial cell division. FtsZ has an ∼ 50‐amino‐acid (aa) linker between the protofilament‐forming globular domain and the C‐terminal (Ct) peptide that binds FtsA and ZipA, tethering FtsZ to the membrane. This Ct‐linker is widely divergent across bacterial species and thought to be an intrinsically disordered peptide (IDP). We confirmed that the Ct‐linkers from three bacterial species behaved as IDPs in vitro by circular dichroism and trypsin proteolysis. We made chimeras, swapping the Escherichia coli linker for Ct‐linkers from other bacteria, and even for an unrelated IDP from human α‐adducin. Most substitutions allowed for normal cell division, suggesting that sequence of the IDP did not matter. With few exceptions, almost any sequence appears to work. Length, however, was important: IDPs shorter than 43 or longer than 95 aa had compromised or no function. We conclude that the Ct‐linker functions as a flexible tether between the globular domain of FtsZ in the protofilament, and its attachment to FtsA/ZipA at the membrane. Modelling the Ct‐linker as a worm‐like chain, we predict that it functions as a stiff entropic spring linking the bending protofilaments to the membrane.
Conflicting nationalist traditions and immigration: theBasque case from 1950 to 1980
Authors: Zabalo Julen , Mateos Txoli , Iraola Iker 
Published: May 2013

AbstractImmigration from the different regions inSpain to theBasqueCountry has traditionally opposedBasque andSpanish nationalism. This article provides an overview of the discourse of both nationalist traditions with respect to the intra‐regional migration movement of the second half of the twentieth century as well as of the resulting controversy. Whereas the Basque nationalist movement claims to have defended the need to integrate immigrants since the middle of the twentieth century, particularly through politics,Spanish nationalism claims thatBasque nationalism has helped marginalise these same immigrants. A qualitative analysis is used to contrast this controversy by consulting the opinion of theSpanish immigrants who settled in theBasqueCountry and did not avail of the political integration proposed byBasque nationalism. The main conclusion is that these immigrants tend to avoid the heart of the matter of discord between both nationalist traditions, granting little importance to political and cultural elements though stressing their social integration in theBasqueCountry.
Normalization of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction after Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Also Normalizes Survival
Authors: MANNE MAHESH , RICKARD JOHN , VARMA NIRAJ , CHUNG MINA K. , TCHOU PATRICK 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundEarlier studies in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35% and prolonged QRS showed better survival outcomes with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Some patients respond dramatically to CRT by improving their LVEF to the normal range and are considered “super‐responders.” Our aim was to determine whether super‐responders survival increases to levels comparable to the general population. We compared the survival of super‐responders to the general population matched for age and sex.MethodsOf 909 patients with CRT device implantation between September 1998 and July 2008, 814 patients had pre‐ and post‐CRT echocardiogram. A total of 95 patients with LVEF ≥ 50% following CRT were classified as super‐responders. For 92 super‐responders, who had U.S. Social Security numbers, an age‐ and sex‐matched example was selected from the Social Security Life Tables. An expected survival plot of the matched population was then compared to the actual survival of super‐responders.ResultsSuper‐responders had comparable survival to the age‐sex matched general population (P = 0.53), and Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis in 92 patients showed that super‐responders with CRT pacemakers had similar survival to those with CRT implantable cardioverter defibrillators (P = 0.77). Super‐responders were more likely to be females (54% vs 25%, P < 0.001) and less likely to have significant coronary artery disease (62% vs 42%, P < 0.001).ConclusionsNormalization of LVEF by CRT improves survival to levels comparable to the general population. This observation favors the concept that some CRT candidates have a cardiomyopathy likely generated by the conduction abnormality that is reversible through biventricular pacing.