bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonparametric Estimation of the Short Rate Diffusion Process from a Panel of Yields
Authors: Sam Abdoul G. , Jiang George J. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a nonparametric estimator of the short rate diffusion process using observations of a panel of yields. The proposed estimator can greatly reduce the bias of the nonparametric estimator proposed in Stanton (1997) that uses a single time series of short rate observations. Simulations confirm that the new method significantly attenuates the spurious nonlinearity of the drift function as documented in Chapman and Pearson (2000). We apply the method to estimate the U.S. short rate process using a panel of six Treasury yields. With 42 years’ daily observations of the panel of yields, the proposed drift function estimator achieves the same efficiency as the Stanton (1997) estimator based on 145 years of daily short rate observations. Finally, we show that the proposed estimator also has significant economic implications on the pricing of bonds and interest rate derivatives.
How Did Japanese Investments Influence International Art Prices?
Authors: Hiraki Takato , Ito Akitoshi , Spieth Darius A. , Takezawa Naoya 
Published: October 2009

AbstractWe test the luxury consumption hypothesis of Ait-Sahalia, Parker, and Yogo (2004), using a unique international art price, import/export flow, and stock market data set. We find that the demand for art by Japanese collectors is positively correlated with art prices and Japanese stock prices. This correlation is magnified during the “bubble period” of the Japanese economy (the mid-1980s to the early 1990s) and gains even further strength for works of art typically favored by Japanese collectors. Our results suggest that Japanese investors (or Japanese asset markets) indeed affect international art prices—especially during the bubble period and its aftermath.
Block Ownership, Trading Activity, and Market Liquidity
Authors: Brockman Paul , Chung Dennis Y. , Yan Xuemin (Sterling) 
Published: October 2009

AbstractWe examine the impact of block ownership on the firm’s trading activity and secondary-market liquidity. Our empirical results show that block ownership takes potential trading activity off the table relative to a diffuse ownership structure and impairs the firm’s market liquidity. These adverse liquidity effects disappear, however, once we control for trading activity. Our findings suggest that block ownership is detrimental to the firm’s market liquidity because of its adverse impact on trading activity—a real friction effect. After controlling for this real friction effect, we find little evidence that block ownership has a negative impact on informational friction. Our results suggest that the relative lack of trading, and not the threat of informed trading, explains the inverse relation between block ownership and market liquidity.
Proton-temperature-anisotropy-driven magnetic fields in plasmas with cold and relativistically hot electrons
Authors: SHUKLA NITIN , SHUKLA P. K. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractWe present a dispersion relation for a plane-polarized electromagnetic wave in plasmas composed of cold electrons, relativistically hot electrons and bi-Maxwellian protons. It is shown that the free energy in proton-temperature anisotropy drives purely growing electromagnetic modes in our three-component plasma. Expressions for the growth rates and thresholds of instabilities are presented. The present results are relevant for explaining the origin of spontaneously generated magnetic fields in laboratory and astrophysical plasmas.
A common neural system mediating two different forms of social judgement
Authors: Hall J. , Whalley H. C. , McKirdy J. W. , Sprengelmeyer R. , Santos I. M. , Donaldson D. I. , McGonigle D. J. , Young A. W. , McIntosh A. M. , Johnstone E. C. , Lawrie S. M. 
Published: October 2009

BackgroundA wide range of neuropsychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia and autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), are associated with impairments in social function. Previous studies have shown that individuals with schizophrenia and ASD have deficits in making a wide range of social judgements from faces, including decisions related to threat (such as judgements of approachability) and decisions not related to physical threat (such as judgements of intelligence). We have investigated healthy control participants to see whether there is a common neural system activated during such social decisions, on the basis that deficits in this system may contribute to the impairments seen in these disorders.MethodWe investigated the neural basis of social decision making during judgements of approachability and intelligence from faces in 24 healthy participants using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We used conjunction analysis to identify common brain regions activated during both tasks.ResultsActivation of the amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex, inferior prefrontal cortex and cerebellum was seen during performance of both social tasks, compared to simple gender judgements from the same stimuli. Task-specific activations were present in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in the intelligence task and in the inferior and middle temporal cortex in the approachability task.ConclusionsThe present study identified a common network of brain regions activated during the performance of two different forms of social judgement from faces. Dysfunction of this network is likely to contribute to the broad-ranging deficits in social function seen in psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and ASD.
Genetic contribution to the relationship between personality and depressive symptoms among older women
Authors: Pakkala I. , Read S. , Kaprio J. , Koskenvuo M. , Kauppinen M. , Rantanen T. 
Published: October 2009

BackgroundPrior studies suggest that certain types of personality are at higher risk for developing depressive disorders. This study examined the relationship between old age depressive symptoms and two middle-age personality dimensions, neuroticism and extraversion.MethodThe present study is part of the Finnish Twin Study on Aging, where altogether 409 female twins who had completed the Eysenck Personality Inventory at the age of 38–51 years were studied for depressive symptoms 28 years later using Center for the Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Logistic regression analysis suitable for dependent data and univariate and Cholesky models for decomposing the genetic and environmental factor were used.ResultsMiddle age extraversion protected from later depressive symptoms while neuroticism increased the risk. Twin modeling indicated that the association between neuroticism and depressive symptoms resulted from shared genetic risk factors common to both traits. However, a substantial proportion of the genetic vulnerability was specific to old age depressive symptoms and was not shared with neuroticism. Middle age extraversion had no genetic relationship with old age depressive symptoms.ConclusionsThe relationship between middle age neuroticism and old age depressive symptoms is strong but only partly the result of genetic factors that predispose to both neuroticism and depressive symptoms. Extraversion, by contrast, has no genetic relationship with depressive symptoms experienced in old age.
Phylogenetic constraints on fine-scale patterns of habitat use by eight primate species in eastern Ecuador
Authors: Sheth Seema Nayan , Loiselle Bette A. , Blake John G. 
Published: October 2009

Abstract:Lowland forests of western Amazonia contain the most species-rich primate communities in the Neotropics, which begs the question of what mechanisms operate to promote species coexistence. This study examines habitat occupancy and its relationship to phylogeny in a primate community in Amazonian Ecuador. First, as potential factors that shape community structure, we determined whether (1) mean height in the forest canopy differed among species; (2) within each species, habitat occupancy was disproportional to habitat availability; and (3) species diverged in habitat occupancy. We then tested hypotheses regarding ecological distance and its relationship to phylogenetic distance among species pairs within this community. We tested these hypotheses primarily with data derived from 15 censuses of primate species on two 100-ha plots in eastern Ecuador. In these censuses, we observed eight primate species over nearly 200 encounters. We observed larger species at greater heights in the forest canopy than smaller ones. Although they occupied habitat types at frequencies proportionate to their availability in the study area, species diverged in habitat occupancy. Although a clear relationship was not observed between phylogenetic and ecological distances among species pairs, this study suggests that ecological differences among the species in this community facilitate their coexistence.
Reproductive variation corresponding to breeding season length in three tropical frog species
Authors: Sheridan Jennifer A. 
Published: October 2009

Abstract:Several South-East Asian anuran species can breed year-round near the equator (due to abundant rainfall in all months in Singapore, for example) but are limited to a 6-mo breeding season in other areas (including central Thailand). In order to investigate the extent to which such differences in breeding season length are associated with differences in reproductive measures such as clutch size, reproduction of three common species,Polypedates leucomystax,Microhyla heymonsiandHylarana erythraea, was compared in Singapore and Thailand over a 2-y period. All three species produce nearly twice as many eggs per clutch in seasonal environments compared with aseasonal environments, although annual fecundity may be similar in both environments. InPolypedates leucomystax, increased clutch size and volume are associated with larger female size, but in the other two species female size is unchanged with respect to latitude. InH. erythraea, the increased clutch size in Thailand was observed early in the breeding season; later clutches were not significantly different between sites. Collectively, these data suggest that these widespread species have adapted to shortened breeding season length by increasing clutch size.
Population dynamics of the black-cheeked gnateater (Conopophaga melanops, Conopophagidae) in southern Brazil
Authors: de Lima André Magnani Xavier , Roper James Joseph 
Published: October 2009

Abstract:Population structure and dynamics of the black-cheeked gnateater (Conopophaga melanops) were studied at Salto Morato Nature Reserve, in Paraná, southern Brazil, from October 2006 to September 2007. Territory size and population density, breeding season (timing and length), reproductive success and annual survival rates were estimated from sightings of 18 marked adult birds and the success of 18 nesting attempts. The black-cheeked gnateater is socially monogamous and territorial, with a breeding-season length of approximately 3 mo beginning in early October. Predation caused most nest failures, nest survival was 0.96 d−1and apparent annual nesting success was 22%, resulting in annual productivity of 0.36 individuals per adult. Apparent adult annual survival was ~0.44 y−1. Seventy-five per cent of fledglings survived at least 2 mo after fledging. Two methods of estimating population growth rate suggest very different rates: r = −0.04 (~ stable), or λ varies between 0.475–0.616 (declining). Yet, low apparent adult survival suggests that territories are not permanent, perhaps abandoned after nest failure. We find that by estimating population growth, even in short-term studies, testable hypotheses can be generated that will allow better understanding of population dynamics.
For the Reconciliation and Unity of the Anglican Communion: A Japanese Perspective Post Lambeth 2008
Authors: Nishihara Renta 
Published: October 2009

AbstractHow the Nippon Sei Ko Kai (NSKK), the Anglican Church in Japan, can respond to the discussion at the Lambeth Conference 2008? The NSKK celebrates its 150th anniversary of its missionary, beginning this year (2009). The NSKK is a diverse church where high and low, broad and liberal co-existed from the beginning, which in a way represented the epitome of the Anglican Communion. The NSKK officially expressed its position regarding the ‘Anglican Covenant’, at an early stage when the Windsor Report 2004 was issued; owning a binding force as in ‘Anglican Covenant’ does not match the spirit of Anglicanism which values the unity of diversity and autonomy of each province and diocese, and ‘Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral’ is enough for a guideline for the unity of Anglican Identity. The NSKK is a church, which values the principles of the consensus fidelium in the Anglicanism and focuses on the Anglican Consultative Council as the center.
‘That They May All Be One’: Anglican Communion in Prayer
Authors: Wolf Geralyn 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe bishops of the Anglican Communion gathered at the Lambeth Conference, 2008, at a time when some constituent provinces and dioceses had already crossed the threshold of discontent, deciding not to attend the gathering, and when further division loomed ahead. This article examines the challenges of living into a generous diversity while holding fast to the historic Christian faith. The author reveals a cautious hope rooted in Jesus’ prayer for unity and the mystery of the Pascha, Christ’s death and resurrection. As the Communion drifts into greater autonomy, she calls for a disposition of reconciliation, paving the way for reunification in the future.
A unified probability density function formulation to model turbulence modification in two-phase flow
Authors: Anand Gaurav , Jenny Patrick 
Published: October 2009

In the present study, a unified probability density function formulation for capturing the phenomena of turbulence modification of the continuous phase due to the dispersed phase turbulence is presented. A stochastic model based on dispersed phase turbulence length scale has been proposed for the purpose. The model has been validated with experimental data [Poelma , “Particle fluid interactions in grid-generated turbulence,” J. Fluid Mech.589, 315 (2007)] on the decay of turbulence of the flow seeded with ceramic particles in a vertical recirculating water channel. The obtained simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental data. Numerical experiments have been performed to investigate the influence of gravity on the decay of the continuous phase Reynolds stresses. For comparison, the influence of dispersed phase turbulence on the continuous phase turbulence without taking gravity into consideration has also been studied.
At the request of the authors, this article is being retracted effective 22 June 2012.
Statistical mechanics of logarithmic REM: duality, freezing and extreme value statistics of
1/f
noises generated by Gaussian free fields
Authors: Fyodorov Yan V , Le Doussal Pierre , Rosso Alberto 
Published: October 2009

We compute the distribution of the partition functions for a class of one-dimensional random
energy models with logarithmically correlated random potential, above and at the glass
transition temperature. The random potential sequences represent various versions of the
1/f
noise generated by sampling the two-dimensional Gaussian free field (2D GFF) along
various planar curves. Our method extends the recent analysis of Fyodorov and Bouchaud
(2008 J. Phys. A: Math. Theor.
41 372001) from the circular case to an interval and is
based on an analytical continuation of the Selberg integral. In particular, we unveil a
duality relation satisfied by the suitable generating function of free energy cumulants in the
high temperature phase. It reinforces the freezing scenario hypothesis for that generating
function, from which we derive the distribution of extrema for the 2D GFF on the
[0,1]
interval. We provide numerical checks of the circular case and the interval case and discuss
universality and various extensions. The relevance to the distribution of the length of a
segment in Liouville quantum gravity is noted.
Knowledge-based instantiation of full atomic detail into coarse-grain RNA 3D structural models
Authors: Jonikas Magdalena A. , Radmer Randall J. , Altman Russ B. 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
Motivation: The recent development of methods for modeling RNA 3D structures using coarse-grain approaches creates a need to bridge low- and high-resolution modeling methods. Although they contain topological information, coarse-grain models lack atomic detail, which limits their utility for some applications.
Results: We have developed a method for adding full atomic detail to coarse-grain models of RNA 3D structures. Our method [Coarse to Atomic (C2A)] uses geometries observed in known RNA crystal structures. Our method rebuilds full atomic detail from ideal coarse-grain backbones taken from crystal structures to within 1.87–3.31 Å RMSD of the full atomic crystal structure. When starting from coarse-grain models generated by the modeling tool NAST, our method builds full atomic structures that are within 1.00 Å RMSD of the starting structure. The resulting full atomic structures can be used as starting points for higher resolution modeling, thus bridging high- and low-resolution approaches to modeling RNA 3D structure.
Availability: Code for the C2A method, as well as the examples discussed in this article, are freely available at www.simtk.org/home/c2a.
Contact: russ.altman@stanford.edu
Interaction of the HIV-1 frameshift signal with the ribosome
Authors: Mazauric Marie-Hélène , Seol Yeonee , Yoshizawa Satoko , Visscher Koen , Fourmy Dominique 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
Ribosomal frameshifting on viral RNAs relies on the mechanical properties of structural elements, often pseudoknots and more rarely stem-loops, that are unfolded by the ribosome during translation. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 type B a long hairpin containing a three-nucleotide bulge is responsible for efficient frameshifting. This three-nucleotide bulge separates the hairpin in two domains: an unstable lower stem followed by a GC-rich upper stem. Toeprinting and chemical probing assays suggest that a hairpin-like structure is retained when ribosomes, initially bound at the slippery sequence, were allowed multiple EF-G catalyzed translocation cycles. However, while the upper stem remains intact the lower stem readily melts. After the first, and single step of translocation of deacylated tRNA to the 30 S P site, movement of the mRNA stem-loop in the 5′ direction is halted, which is consistent with the notion that the downstream secondary structure resists unfolding. Mechanical stretching of the hairpin using optical tweezers only allows clear identification of unfolding of the upper stem at a force of 12.8 ± 1.0 pN. This suggests that the lower stem is unstable and may indeed readily unfold in the presence of a translocating ribosome.
A T9G Mutation in the Prototype TATA-Box TCACTATATATAG Determines Nucleosome Formation and Synergy with Upstream Activator Sequences in Plant Promoters
Authors: Ranjan Amol , Ansari Suraiya A. , Srivastava Rakesh , Mantri Shrikant , Asif Mehar H. , Sawant Samir V. , Tuli Rakesh 
Published: October 2009

AbstractWe had earlier reported that mutations to G and C at the seventh and eighth positions in the prototype TATA-box TCACTATATATAG inhibited light-dependent activation of transcription from the promoter. In this study, we characterized mutations at the ninth position of the prototype TATA-box. Substitution of T at the ninth position with G or C enhanced transcription from the promoter in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants. The effect of T9G/C mutations was not light dependent, although the 9G/C TATA-box showed synergy with the light-responsive element (lre). However, the 9G/C mutants in the presence of lre failed to respond to phytochromes, sugar, and calcium signaling, in contrast to the prototype TATA-box with lre. The 9G/C mutation shifted the point of initiation of transcription, and transcription activation was dependent upon the type of activating element present upstream. The synergy in activation was noticed with lre and legumin activators but not with rbcS, Pcec, and PR-1a activators. The 9G mutation resulted in a micrococcal nuclease-sensitive region over the TATA-box, suggesting a nucleosome-free region, in contrast to the prototype promoter, which had a distinct nucleosome on the TATA-box. Thus, the transcriptional augmentation with mutation at the ninth position might be because of the loss of a repressive nucleosomal structure on the TATA-box. In agreement with our findings, the promoters containing TATAGATA as identified by genome-wide analysis of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) are not tightly repressed.
Screening for hepatitis B in chemotherapy patients: survey of current oncology practices
Authors: TRAN T. T. , RAKOSKI M. O. , MARTIN P. , POORDAD F. 
Published: October 2009

SummaryBackground  Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation occurs in up to 78% of patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy for nonhepatic malignancies. Reactivation can lead to hepatic dysfunction, jaundice and fulminant hepatic failure. Current recommendations include screening patients at risk for HBV prior to immunosuppressive therapy and initiating antiviral prophylaxis in patients with chronic HBV.Aim  To investigate current practice among oncologists regarding HBV screening and antiviral prophylaxis in candidates for chemotherapy.Methods  A survey was sent to American Medical Association registered oncologists assessing demographics and HBV screening practices. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test.Results  In all, 265 responses were received. Office‐based physicians were less likely to screen for HBV prior to chemotherapy (P < 0.001). Years in practice varied: 51% with <5 years, 29% with 5–15 years and 18% with >15 years, with no difference in screening practices between groups (P = N.S.). Responders screen for HBV as follows: never – 20%, only in the presence of abnormal liver biochemistries – 30%, risk factors or history of hepatitis – 38%. In patients with known HBV, 75% of oncologists refer to specialists, 7% initiate therapy, while 15% do not refer or initiate therapy, most of whom are in an office setting (P = 0.02).Conclusions  Twenty per cent of oncologists never screen for HBV prior to initiating chemotherapy. Office‐based physicians were less likely to screen, treat or refer to a specialist prior to chemotherapy. Greater education regarding risk of HBV reactivation is needed for clinicians treating patients with immunosuppressive therapies. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 240–246