bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of ownership structure, analyst following and institutional infrastructure on stock price informativeness: international evidence
Authors: Jiang Li , Kim Jeong‐Bon , Pang Lei 
Published: June 2013

AbstractUsing firms from 20 non‐US countries, we investigate whether and how ownership structure, analyst following and country‐level institutions influence stock price informativeness (SPI). We find that stock price informativeness decreases with control‐ownership wedge (the detachment of voting rights from cash flows rights), and this SPI‐reducing effect of the wedge is attenuated for firms with high analyst following and in countries with strong country‐level institutions. We also find that stock price informativeness decreases with analyst following, but this SPI‐reducing effect of analyst following is attenuated in countries with strong country‐level institutions.
Do farm operators benefit from direct to consumer marketing strategies?
Authors: Park Timothy , Mishra Ashok K. , Wozniak Shawn J. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractUsing farm‐level data this study investigates factors associated with the choice of three direct marketing strategies (DMSs). Particular attention is given to the role of management and marketing skills in selection of DMSs. Additionally, the study applies a selectivity‐based approach for the multinomial logit model to assess the relationship between DMSs and the financial performance of the business. Results suggest that both management and marketing skills significantly affect direct‐to‐consumer sales. Farmers choosing the strategy of sales only through direct‐to‐consumer outlets report earnings that are significantly lower than earnings from the other marketing strategies. Marketing skills prove to be beneficial to direct‐to‐consumer (DTC) earnings. Finally, the selectivity correction terms in the direct sales model are significantly negative in the choice of DTC, indicating the presence of sample selection effects. Accounting for selectivity is essential to ensure unbiased and consistent estimates.
Adverse Influence of Mixed Acidemia on the Biocompatibility of Continuous Veno‐Venous Hemofiltration With Respect to the Lungs
Authors: Wagner Johanna‐Josophina , Bedarf Janis R. , Russ Martin , Grosch‐Ott Sascha , Keckel Tobias , Hiebl Bernhard , Schell Hanna , Unger Juliane K. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractExperimental data indicate that hypercapnic adidosis has anti‐inflammatory effects. These anti‐inflammatory effects may even be a beneficial property in case of low tidal volume ventilation with consecutive hypercapnic acidosis. It is unclear whether these anti‐inflammatory effects predominate in critically ill patients who suffer from multiple pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory insults like extracorporeal organ support (pro‐inflammatory), metabolic acidosis (pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory), as well as hypoxia (pro‐inflammatory). Eighteen pigs were randomized into three groups, mechanically ventilated and connected to a continuous veno‐venous hemofiltration (CVVH) as pro‐inflammatory insult. A reference group with normal acid‐base state obtained normoventilation; a normoxemic acidemia group obtained normoxemic, mixed acidemia due to infusion of lactic and hyperchloremic acid and low tidal volume ventilation, and in a hypoxemic acidemia group the mixed acidemia was paralleled by hypoxemia. Lung histology including pulmonary leukocyte invasion, blood gases, blood cell counts, and hemodynamics were examined. The histological examination of the lungs of acidemic pigs showed a suppressed invasion of leukocytes and thinner alveolar walls compared with normoventilated and with hypoxemic pigs. Enhanced congestion and alveolar red blood cells (RBCs) combined with an increase of the pulmonary artery pressure were observed in acidemic pigs in comparison with the reference group. Normoxemic acidemia reduced the pro‐inflammatory reaction to the CVVH and mechanical ventilation in the ventilated lung areas in the form of pulmonary leukocyte invasion. However, this did not result in reduced scores for lung injury. Instead, an increased score for criteria which represent lung injury (congestion and alveolar RBCs) was observed in acidemic pigs.
Insulinotropic Actions of the Frog Skin Host‐Defense Peptide Alyteserin‐2a: A Structure–Activity Study
Authors: Ojo Opeolu O. , Abdel‐Wahab Yasser H. A. , Flatt Peter R. , Conlon J. Michael 
Published: June 2013

Alyteserin‐2a (ILGKLLSTAAGLLSNL.NH2) stimulated the rate of insulin release from BRIN‐BD11 clonalβ cells at a concentration of 30 nm (p < 0.05) with a response of 296 ± 26% of basal release at 3 μm (p < 0.001). The insulinotropic actions of analogs containing substitutions by l‐lysine, d‐lysine, or l‐tryptophan at sites that maintain amphipathicity were evaluated. The [G11K], [S7k], [S7k,G11k], and [G11k,N15K] analogs were the most potent stimulating insulin release at 0.01 nm (p < 0.05). The [S7K], [G11K], [S14K], [N15K], [G11k], and [S7K,G11K] analogs were the most effective producing an approximately twofold greater (p < 0.001) release of insulin at 3 μm compared with alyteserin‐2a. The [T8W] and [A9W] analogs were less active than alyteserin‐2a. No peptide‐stimulated release of lactate dehydrogenase at concentrations up to 3 μm, indicating that the integrity of the plasma membrane had been preserved. Membrane depolarization and an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration are involved in the mechanism of action of the peptides. Administration of [G11k]alyteserin‐2a (75 nmol/kg body weight) to high‐fat‐fed mice with obesity and insulin resistance significantly (p < 0.01) enhanced insulin release and improved glucose tolerance during the 60‐min period following an intraperitoneal glucose load.
Government Time Discounting and Required Rates of Return: UK History and Current Issues
Authors: Spackman Michael 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe UK government first set financial objectives for the nationalised industries in 1961 and subsequently promoted the use of ‘discounted cash flow’ for investment appraisal. The nationalised industry regime evolved until, in the 1990s, it was succeeded by economic regulation regimes for the privatised utilities. Meanwhile discounting conventions emerged and have continued to evolve for wider government policy analysis, including aspects of climate change. Issues about the size and functions of public expenditure notwithstanding, UK government conventions are currently fairly uncontroversial: however, in the world at large, government discounting remains subject to many academic and international controversies and misunderstandings.
Media, Education and Corruption: Investigating the Associations
Authors: Dutta Nabamita , Roy Sanjukta 
Published: June 2013

AbstractWe study the interactive association of press freedom, access to media and education with a nation's corruption levels. A free press generates unbiased information that greater access to the media helps propagate; and a greater degree of education, in the same context, helps individuals apply that information. This entire process generates a vigilant and corruption‐free economy. It is therefore important to consider these factors in conjunction.
Evaluation of Atrial Electromechanical Delay and Diastolic Functions in Patients with Hyperthyroidism
Authors: Sokmen Abdullah , Acar Gurkan , Sokmen Gulizar , Akcay Ahmet , Akkoyun Murat , Koroglu Sedat , Nacar Alper Bugra , Ozkaya Mesut 
Published: June 2013

AimHyperthyroidism is a well‐known cause of atrial fibrillation (AF) which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Atrial electromechanical delay (EMD) is a significant predictor of AF. The aim of this study was to assess the atrial EMD and diastolic functions in subclinical and overt hyperthyroidism by using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI).Methods and ResultsThe study population consisted of 3 groups: group I (30 healthy subjects), group II (38 patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism), and group III (25 patients with overt hyperthyroidism). Atrial electromechanical coupling was measured with TDI. Standard echocardiographic measurements and parameters of diastolic function were obtained by conventional echocardiography and TDI.Intra‐ and inter‐atrial EMD were significantly prolonged in subclinical and overt hyperthyroidism compared with control group (P = 0.03 and P < 0.001 for intra‐atrial EMD; P < 0.001 for inter‐atrial EMD). In groups II and III, mitral A velocity (P = 0.005 and P = 0.001) and mitral E‐wave deceleration time (P < 0.001 and P = 0.02) were significantly increased, and mitral E/A ratio (P = 0.005 and P = 0.001) was significantly decreased compared with the control group. The lateral mitral Em/Am ratio in group II and group III was significantly lower than controls (P = 0.001). Mitral Em/Am ratio (β = −0.32, P = 0.002) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level (β = −0.27, P = 0.009) were negatively and independently correlated with inter‐atrial EMD.ConclusionThis study showed that intra‐ and inter‐atrial electromechanical intervals were prolonged and diastolic function was impaired in both overt and subclinical hyperthyroidism. TSH level and mitral Em/Am ratio were found as independent predictors of atrial EMD.
Infectious risk factors and clinical indicators for tracheal mucus inBritishNationalHunt racehorses
Authors: Cardwell J. M. , Smith K. C. , Wood J. L. N. , Newton J. R. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyMany studies of respiratory disease in racehorses have focused on a combination of increased tracheal mucus and airway neutrophilia. Examination of each component separately should provide further insight into this condition.ObjectivesTo identify infectious risk factors for endoscopically visible tracheal mucus inNationalHunt racehorses.Study designA 2 year prospective longitudinal study.MethodsMonthly quantitative bacteriological examinations of tracheal wash samples and viral serological examinations were conducted. Risk factors for ‘small amounts of mucus’ (mucus score = 1/3) and ‘increased mucus’ (score ≥2/3) were identified.ResultsThere were increased odds of small amounts of mucus when bothStreptococcus zooepidemicusand nonhaemolytic streptococci (NHS) were isolated (odds ratio [OR]2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]1.5–4.6; P<0.001) but not when either species was isolated in the absence of the other. Increased odds of increased mucus were associated with the isolation of eitherS. zooepidemicus(OR5.6; 95%CI1.2–25.9; P = 0.03) orNHS(OR3.7; 95%CI1.2–11.6; P = 0.02), with an increased effect when both were isolated together (OR12.5; 95%CI3.7–41.6; P<0.001). Approximately 6‐fold increased odds of small amounts of mucus were associated with the first 3 months in training (OR6.3; 95%CI2.0–19.4; P<0.001) and 3‐fold increased odds of increased mucus associated with the first 6 months in training (OR2.9; 95%CI1.3–6.4; P = 0.01). Coughing at exercise and increased serous nasal discharge were specific but insensitive indicators of increased mucus.ConclusionsAssociations withS. zooepidemicuscorroborate previous research, but an independent effect ofNHShas not previously been reported. The possibility that there are individual pathogenic species within this group should be considered. Further work is required to identifyS. zooepidemicussubtypes andNHSspecies associated with disease. Closer monitoring of the respiratory health of horses entering training for the first time is likely to be valuable.
Tensile properties in collagen‐rich tissues ofQuarterHorses with hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA)
Authors: Bowser J. E. , Elder S. H. , Pasquali M. , Grady J. G. , Rashmir‐Raven A. M. , Wills R. , Swiderski C. E. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyHereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA) is an autosomal recessive disorder ofQuarterHorses characterised by skin fragility. Horses withHERDAhave a missense mutation in peptidyl‐prolylcis‐transisomerase B(PPIB), which encodes cyclophilin Band alters folding and post translational modifications of fibrillar collagen.ObjectivesThe study aimed to test the hypothesis that tendons, ligaments and great vessels, which, like skin, are rich in fibrillar collagen, will also have abnormal biomechanical properties in horses withHERDA.Study designEx vivobiomechanical study comparing horses with and without a diagnosis ofHERDA.MethodsForelimb suspensory ligament, superficial and deep digital flexor tendons; withers, forelimb and abdominal skin; the main pulmonary artery and the aortic arch were harvested from 6 horses withHERDAand 6 control horses without theHERDAallele. Tissues were distracted to failure. Tensile strength (TS), elastic modulus (EM) and energy to failure (ETF) were compared.ResultsHorses withHERDAhad significantly lowerTSandEMin tendinoligamentous tissues and great vessels, respectively. TheTS,EMandETFwere significantly lower in skin from horses withHERDA. Differences inTSandETFwere more extreme at the withers than at the forelimb or abdomen.ConclusionsTendinoligamentous tissue, great vessels and skin are significantly weaker in horses withHERDAthan in horses lacking thePPIBmutation, substantiating that diverse tissues with high fibrillar collagen content are abnormal inHERDAand that theHERDAphenotype is not limited to the integument.
Regional decline in growth rates of massive Porites corals in Southeast Asia
Authors: Tanzil Jani T.I. , Brown Barbara E. , Dunne Richard P. , Lee Jen N. , Kaandorp Jaap A. , Todd Peter A. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThis study reports the first well‐replicated analysis of continuous coral growth records from warmer water reefs (mean annual sea surface temperatures (SST) >28.5 °C) around the Thai–Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia. Based on analyses of 70 colonies sampled from 15 reefs within six locations, region‐wide declines in coral calcification rate (ca. 18.6%), linear extension rate (ca. 15.4%) and skeletal bulk density (ca. 3.9%) were observed over a 31‐year period from 1980 to 2010. Decreases in calcification and linear extension rates were observed at five of the six locations and ranged from ca. 17.2–21.6% and ca. 11.4–19.6%, respectively, whereas decline in skeletal bulk density was a consequence of significant reductions at only two locations (ca. 6.9% and 10.7%). A significant link between region‐wide growth rates and average annual SST was found, and Porites spp. demonstrated a high thermal threshold of ca. 29.4 °C before calcification rates declined. Responses at individual locations within the region were more variable with links between SST and calcification rates being significant at only four locations. Rates of sea temperature warming at locations in the Andaman Sea (Indian Ocean) (ca. 1.3 °C per decade) were almost twice those in the South China Sea (Pacific Ocean) (ca. 0.7 °C per decade), but this was not reflected in the magnitude of calcification declines at corresponding locations. Considering that massive Porites spp. are major reef builders around Southeast Asia, this region‐wide growth decline is a cause for concern for future reef accretion rates and resilience. However, this study suggests that the future rates and patterns of change within the region are unlikely to be uniform or dependent solely on the rates of change in the thermal environment.
Global patterns of nitrogen limitation: confronting two global biogeochemical models with observations
Authors: Thomas R. Quinn , Zaehle Sönke , Templer Pamela H. , Goodale Christine L. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractProjections of future changes in land carbon (C) storage using biogeochemical models depend on accurately modeling the interactions between the C and nitrogen (N) cycles. Here, we present a framework for analyzing N limitation in global biogeochemical models to explore how C‐N interactions of current models compare to field observations, identify the processes causing model divergence, and identify future observation and experiment needs. We used a set of N‐fertilization simulations from two global biogeochemical models (CLM‐CN and O‐CN) that use different approaches to modeling C‐N interactions. On the global scale, net primary productivity (NPP) in the CLM‐CN model was substantially more responsive to N fertilization than in the O‐CN model. The most striking difference between the two models occurred for humid tropical forests, where the CLM‐CN simulated a 62% increase in NPP at high N addition levels (30 g N m−2 yr−1), while the O‐CN predicted a 2% decrease in NPP due to N fertilization increasing plant respiration more than photosynthesis. Across 35 temperate and boreal forest sites with field N‐fertilization experiments, we show that the CLM‐CN simulated a 46% increase in aboveground NPP in response to N, which exceeded the observed increase of 25%. In contrast, the O‐CN only simulated a 6% increase in aboveground NPP at the N‐fertilization sites. Despite the small response of NPP to N fertilization, the O‐CN model accurately simulated ecosystem retention of N and the fate of added N to vegetation when compared to empirical 15N tracer application studies. In contrast, the CLM‐CN predicted lower total ecosystem N retention and partitioned more losses to volatilization than estimated from observed N budgets of small catchments. These results point to the need for model improvements in both models in order to enhance the accuracy with which global C‐N cycle feedbacks are simulated.
Prospective comparison of real‐time tissue elastography and serum fibrosis markers for the estimation of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients
Authors: Tamaki Nobuharu , Kurosaki Masayuki , Matsuda Shuya , Nakata Toru , Muraoka Masaru , Suzuki Yuichiro , Yasui Yutaka , Suzuki Shoko , Hosokawa Takanori , Nishimura Takashi , Ueda Ken , Tsuchiya Kaoru , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Itakura Jun , Takahashi Yuka , Matsunaga Kotaro , Taki Kazuhiro , Asahina Yasuhiro , Izumi Namiki 
Published: June 2013

AimReal‐time tissue elastography (RTE) is a non‐invasive method for the measurement of tissue elasticity using ultrasonography. Liver fibrosis (LF) index is a quantitative method for evaluation of liver fibrosis calculated by RTE image features. This study aimed to investigate the significance of LF index for predicting liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients.MethodsIn this prospective study, 115 patients with chronic hepatitis C who underwent liver biopsy were included, and the diagnostic accuracy of LF index and serum fibrosis markers was evaluated.ResultsRTE imaging was successfully performed on all patients. Median LF index in patients with F0–1, F2, F3 and F4 were 2.61, 3.07, 3.54 and 4.25, respectively, demonstrating a stepwise increase with liver fibrosis progression (P < 0.001). LF index (odds ratio [OR] = 5.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.2–13.0) and platelet count (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.68–0.89) were independently associated with the presence of advanced fibrosis (F3–4). Further, LF index was independently associated with the presence of minimal fibrosis (F0–1) (OR = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.11–0.55). The area under the receiver–operator curve (AUROC) of LF index for predicting advanced fibrosis (0.84) was superior to platelets (0.82), FIB‐4 index (0.80) and aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index (APRI) (0.76). AUROC of LF index (0.81) was superior to platelets (0.73), FIB‐4 index (0.79) and APRI (0.78) in predicting minimal fibrosis.ConclusionLF index calculated by RTE is useful for predicting liver fibrosis, and diagnostic accuracy of LF index is superior to serum fibrosis markers.
Sistemas de pensiones en el mundo y sus reformas: factores, tendencias y desafíos mundiales
Authors: Holzmann Robert 
Published: June 2013

ResumenEn todo el mundo los sistemas de pensiones y sus reformas están en un estado de evolución continua motivado por cambios en la atención, por necesidades de reforma cambiantes y por modificaciones del entorno, que son reflejo de circunstancias objetivas y de la evolución de puntos de vista y de percepciones. La actual crisis financiera mundial y el ajuste a una nueva situación de normalidad aún incierta harán que los futuros sistemas de pensiones sean diferentes de los precedentes. Los objetivos del presente artículo son los siguientes: a) analizar brevemente los principales cambios, recientes y actuales, que impulsan el proceso de reforma; b) subrayar las principales tendencias de las reformas en lo referente a los diferentes pilares de los sistemas de pensiones durante los últimos dos decenios, y c) presentar las principales esferas de política en las que deberán centrarse los encargados de las reformas de las pensiones a escala internacional para mejorar la situación.
Dependencia de las prestaciones: ventajas e inconvenientes de utilizar los datos del «número de beneficiarios» para las evaluaciones comparativas nacionales e internacionales
Authors: De Deken Johan , Clasen Jochen 
Published: June 2013

ResumenLos responsables políticos en los Estados de bienestar han expresado cada vez más su inquietud sobre el elevado número de personas en edad de trabajar que reclaman el respaldo de la seguridad social. En consecuencia, han cobrado relevancia las políticas destinadas a reducir el grado de dependencia de las prestaciones. No obstante, estas políticas se apoyan sobre una base empírica poco sólida. Apenas existen recopilaciones sistemáticas de datos derivados de los beneficiarios, los programas de la seguridad social se solapan unos con otros y las categorías administrativas varían a lo largo del tiempo. Las disparidades en el tratamiento de los programas de transferencias monetarias entre unos países y otros suponen un obstáculo adicional para establecer comparaciones. En este artículo se detectan y analizan varios de estos problemas, así como las formas en que pueden abordarse. Para representar las tendencias a lo largo del tiempo se utilizan datos administrativos de los solicitantes de prestaciones de seis países europeos. Lo que pretendemos con ello, principalmente, es estudiar el potencial científico que tienen los datos sobre los beneficiarios de las prestaciones como indicadores de la evolución del Estado de bienestar a lo largo del tiempo y en los diversos países.
Symptom profile and outcome of delirium associated with alcohol withdrawal syndrome: A study from India
Authors: Grover Sandeep , Sharma Akhilesh , Kate Natasha , Mattoo Surendra K. , Basu Debasish , Chakrabarti Subho , Malhotra Savita , Avasthi Ajit 
Published: June 2013

AimTo study the profile of delirium associated with alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) in a developing country in terms of symptomatology, associated risk factors/physical complications, and outcome.MethodologyUsing a prospective design, 112 patients in whom delirium could be attributed to AWS as either the sole or a contributory cause were assessed by Delirium Rating Scale‐Revised‐98 and the associated etiological factors were assessed by using delirium etiology checklist.FindingsIn all patients, delirium was acute in onset and all patients had disturbance of sleep–wake cycle and inattention. Other common symptoms were: disorientation (99.1%), fluctuation in symptoms (97.3%), motor agitation (94.6%), and short‐term memory disturbance (92.9%). In terms of delirium etiology checklist etiological categories, besides alcohol withdrawal, the most common factors were metabolic/endocrine abnormalities (76%), followed by organ insufficiency and infection (37% and 35%, respectively). Most patients (67%) improved or recovered completely from delirium during the short stay of 4 days. During the short stay of mean duration of 4 days 13.4% of the patients died during the hospital stay.ConclusionDelirium associated with alcohol withdrawal is characterized by an acute onset of symptoms with high prevalence of disturbance of sleep–wake cycle, inattention, disorientation, fluctuation in symptoms, motor agitation, and disturbance in short‐term memory. There are certain differences in the symptom profile of delirium associated with alcohol withdrawal and that associated with medical–surgical causes. About one‐sixth of the patients developing delirium due to alcohol withdrawal die during the short hospital stay of 4 days. (Am J Addict 2013;22:503–509)