bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the Volatility and Comovement of U.S. Financial Markets around Macroeconomic News Announcements
Authors: Brenner Menachem , Pasquariello Paolo , Subrahmanyam Marti 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe objective of this paper is to provide a deeper insight into the links between financial markets and the real economy. To that end, we study the short-term anticipation and response of U.S. stock, Treasury, and corporate bond markets to the first release of surprise U.S. macroeconomic information. Specifically, we focus on the impact of these announcements not only on the level, but also on the volatility and comovement of those assets’ returns. We do so by estimating several extensions of the parsimonious multivariate GARCH-DCC model of Engle (2002) for the excess holding-period returns on seven portfolios of these asset classes. We find that both the process of price formation in each of those financial markets and their interaction appear to be driven by fundamentals. Yet our analysis reveals a statistically and economically significant dichotomy between the reaction of the stock and bond markets to the arrival of unexpected fundamental information. We also show that the conditional mean, volatility, and comovement among stock, Treasury, and corporate bond returns react asymmetrically to the information content of these surprise announcements. Overall, the above results shed new light on the mechanisms by which new information is incorporated into prices within and across U.S. financial markets.
Disorder-specific automatic self-associations in depression and anxiety: results of The Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety
Authors: Glashouwer K. A. , de Jong P. J. 
Published: October 2009

BackgroundCognitive theory points to the importance of negative self-schemas in the onset and maintenance of depression and anxiety disorders. Hereby, it is important to distinguish between automatic and explicit self-schemas, reflecting different cognitive-motivational systems. This study tested whether patients with a current major depression and/or anxiety disorder are characterized by automatic self-anxious and self-depressive associations and whether these associations are disorder specific.MethodPatients (n=2329) and non-clinical controls (n=652) were tested as part of The Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety, a multi-center, longitudinal, cohort study with patients from different health care settings. Patient groups and non-clinical controls (18–65 years of age) were compared with regard to automatic self-anxious and self-depressive associations measured with the Implicit Association Test.ResultsIndividuals with an anxiety disorder showed enhanced self-anxious associations, whereas individuals with a depression showed enhanced self-depressive associations. Individuals with co-morbid disorders scored high on both automatic self-associations. Although remitted individuals showed weaker automatic self-associations than people with a current disorder, their automatic self-anxious/depressed associations were still significantly stronger than those of the control group. Importantly, automatic self-associations showed predictive validity for the severity of anxious and depressive symptoms over and above explicit self-beliefs.ConclusionsThis study represents the first evidence that automatic self-anxious and self-depressive associations are differentially involved in anxiety disorders and depression. This may help to explain the refractoriness of these disorders and points to the potential importance of automatic self-associations in the development of psychopathological symptoms.
Effects of experimental fires on litter decomposition in a seasonally dry Amazonian forest
Authors: Silveira Juliana M. , Barlow Jos , Krusche Alex V. , Orwin Kate H. , Balch Jennifer K. , Moutinho Paulo 
Published: October 2009

Abstract:Litter decomposition is a fundamental process for nutrient cycling but we have a limited understanding of this process in disturbed tropical forests. We studied litter decomposition over a 10-mo period in a seasonally dry Amazon forest in Mato Grosso, Brazil. The study plots (50 ha each) included unburned forest (UF), once-burned (BF1) and forest burned annually for 3 y (BF3). We measured understorey density, litter depth, canopy openness, temperature and relative humidity in the plots. Decomposition experiments took place using 720 litterbags filled with approximately 10 g of natural abscised oven-dried leaves. To test the effects of fire on soil meso- and macrofauna, the litterbags had either a fine (2 mm) or coarse (with 1-cm holes in side) mesh size. Litterbags were collected and reweighed 2, 4, 6 and 8 mo after being placed on the forest floor. All forest structure variables were significantly different across plots: BF3 was hotter, less humid, had the highest degree of canopy openness, lowest understorey density and the shallowest litter depth. Litter decomposition (mass loss) was similar in the once-burned and unburned plots, but declined more slowly in BF3. In addition, decomposition was slower in fine-mesh litterbags than coarse-mesh litterbags in BF3, but there was no difference between mesh sizes in BF1 and UF. It is likely that changes in forest structure and microclimate explain the lower decomposition rates in BF3. These results show the importance of recurrent fires, but suggest that single understorey fires may not have long-term negative effects on some ecological processes in seasonally dry Amazonian forests.
Temporal niche segregation in two rodent assemblages of subtropical Mexico
Authors: Castro-Arellano Ivan , Lacher Thomas E. 
Published: October 2009

Abstract:Temporal niche partitioning can be a viable mechanism for coexistence, but has received less attention than other niche axes. We characterized and compared patterns of activity, and overlap of temporal activity among the five common rodent species from a tropical semideciduous forest (TSF) and between the two common rodent species from cloud forest (CF) at El Cielo Biosphere Reserve in Mexico. Capture frequencies over 2-h intervals, obtained via live trapping (6850 trap-nights) in chosen months over 3 y formed the empirical basis for analyses. Trap transects were set from 19h00 to 07h00 and checked every 2 h. Analyses of 484 captures evinced two distinct assemblages. The TSF assemblage was diverse and with non-random temporal niche segregation, whereas the CF assemblage was depauperate with its two dominant species evincing the same activity pattern. Predator avoidance between open- and closed-microhabitat species, as well as niche complementarity may explain temporal segregation at TSF. This is the first documentation of assemblage-wide non-random temporal segregation of neotropical rodents. Time of activity may be a largely under-appreciated mechanism in other species-rich tropical rodent assemblages as well as in other species-rich biotas.
Community structure of pre-dispersal seed predatory insects on elevenShorea(Dipterocarpaceae) species
Authors: Hosaka Tetsuro , Yumoto Takakazu , Kojima Hiroaki , Komai Furumi , Noor Nur Supardi Md. 
Published: October 2009

Abstract:The Dipterocarpaceae in South-East Asia are known for their strict mast fruiting. During fruiting, pre-dispersal seed predation by insects contributes to mortality of dipterocarp seeds. We documented the community structure of insect seed predators on 11Shoreaspecies in Peninsular Malaysia. Fruits were sampled sequentially throughout seed development, and 2144 and 1655 individuals of seed predator weevils and moths were collected in two mast-fruiting events. Four weevils:Nanophyes shoreae, nanophyid sp. 1,Alcidodes dipterocarpiandAlcidodes humeralis, and one mothAndrioplecta shoreaewere abundant in seeds of theShoreaspecies. The proportion ofN. shoreaeto the total predators became larger in the latter fruiting event than the former while that ofAlcidodesspp. became smaller. The predator species composition changed during seed development; nanophyid spp. emerged from immature fruits whileAlcidodesspp. emerged from mature fruits.Andrioplecta shoreaeemerged from both immature and mature fruits. The level of host specificity measured by Kullback–Leibler distance was low for most predator species in both events. Predator species composition of manyShoreawas similar to each other due to the dominance ofN. shoreaethough it might gradually differ with the phylogenetic distance between hosts. In conclusion, predator species composition ofShoreavaried during seed development within a host rather than among hosts. Intermittent synchronized fruiting by congenericShoreatrees would be advantageous to avoid pre-dispersal insect seed predators, and contribute to their reproduction.
Vicissitudes of leaves in a tropical rain forest in Madagascar
Authors: Heatwole Harold , Unsicker Sybille , Andriamiarisoa Lala Roger , Lowman Margaret D. 
Published: October 2009

Abstract:A sample of 1834 leaves from 83 plants in 26 families was collected in tropical rain forest in Madagascar from three vertical strata: top of emergent trees (up to 37 m), top of trees in upper canopy (about 22 m), and shrubs and saplings at ground level. These leaves were examined for damage by seven different agents: fungi, epiphyllae, mechanical injury, galls, leaf miners, grazing insects and skeletonizing insects. Fungi affected more than 60% of the leaves and grazing insects 45–65%, with other agents each affecting 3–30%; fewer than 4% of the leaves escaped unscathed by any agent. Individual leaves were attacked by up to five agents. There was a sharp decline in proportion of leaves affected by fungi, leaf miners, epiphyllae and mechanical breakage with increasing category of severity. Grazing insects, mechanical injury, and perhaps galls, had greater impact at ground level than in the canopy, with fungi and skeletonizing insects showing the opposite pattern. Leaf miners had lower incidence in the canopy than elsewhere. The observed vertical stratification means that a tree not only needs to balance its defences to meet multiple threats in any stratum, but must adapt to a different suite of challenges during its lifetime. Attack by grazing insects and fungi are major challenges for saplings at ground level, but with increasing height above the ground fungal attack on leaves becomes more prevalent, but attack by grazing insects less so.
Serovars ofLeptospiraisolated from dogs and rodents
Authors: SUEPAUL S. M. , CARRINGTON C. V. F. , CAMPBELL M. , BORDE G. , ADESIYUN A. A. 
Published: October 2009

SUMMARYWe determined the frequency of isolation ofLeptospirafrom dogs and rodents, the serovars ofLeptospira, and the clinical, gross and histological manifestations in dogs with leptospirosis in Trinidad. From dogs, samples of urine, blood and kidney were collected while only kidney and blood samples of trapped rodents were used. Isolates were cultured and serotyped using a panel of 23 international serovars and monoclonal antibodies. The risk factors for leptospirosis were also determined in owned dogs using a standard questionnaire. Of a total of 468 animals investigated forLeptospira, 70 (15·0%) were positive, comprising nine (18·0%) of 50 suspected canine leptospirosis cases, seven (3·4%) of 207 stray dogs and 54 (25·6%) of 211 rodents. The observation that rodents have a statistically (P<0·05, χ2) higher frequency of isolation emphasizes the importance of rodents as reservoirs of leptospirosis in the country. Copenhageni was the predominant serovar found in 100·0% (7/7), 33·3% (2/6) and 68·5% (37/54) of isolates from suspected canine leptospirosis cases, stray dogs and rodents, respectively. Serovars Icterohaemorrhagiae and Canicola, the two serovars present in the commercial vaccines used locally, were detected in one (1·5%) and zero (0·0%) isolates respectively of the 67 tested. Data provided suggest that the apparent vaccine failure may be a consequence of the fact that the predominant serovar (Copenhageni) detected in sick, apparently healthy dogs and in rodents is not contained in the vaccines used locally to protect dogs against canine leptospirosis.
Ultrastructural Observations Reveal the Presence of Channels between Cork Cells
Authors: Teixeira Rita Teresa , Pereira Helena 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe ultrastructure of phellem cells ofQuercus suberL. (cork oak) andCalotropis procera(Ait) R. Br. were analyzed using electron transmission microscopy to determine the presence or absence of plasmodesmata (PD). Different types ofQ. subercork samples were studied: one year shoots; virgin cork (first periderm), reproduction cork (traumatic periderm), and wet cork. The channel structures of PD were found in all the samples crossing adjacent cell walls through the suberin layer of the secondary wall.Calotropisphellem also showed PD crossing the cell walls of adjacent cells but in fewer numbers compared toQ. suber. In one year stems of cork oak, it was possible to follow the physiologically active PD with ribosomic accumulation next to the aperture of the channel seen in the phellogen cells to the completely obstructed channels in the dead cells that characterize the phellem tissue.
Clopidogrel, independent of the vascular P2Y12 receptor, improves arterial function in small mesenteric arteries from AngII-hypertensive rats
Authors: Giachini Fernanda R. C. , Osmond David A. , Zhang Shali , Carneiro Fernando S. , Lima Victor V. , Inscho Edward W. , Webb R. Clinton , Tostes Rita C. 
Published: October 2009

The P2Y12 receptor antagonist clopidogrel blocks platelet aggregation, improves systemic endothelial nitric oxide bioavailability and has anti-inflammatory effects. Since P2Y12 receptors have been identified in the vasculature, we hypothesized that clopidogrel ameliorates AngII (angiotensin II)-induced vascular functional changes by blockade of P2Y12 receptors in the vasculature. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were infused with AngII (60 ng/min) or vehicle for 14 days. The animals were treated with clopidogrel (10 mg·kg−1 of body weight·day−1) or vehicle. Vascular reactivity was evaluated in second-order mesenteric arteries. Clopidogrel treatment did not change systolic blood pressure [(mmHg) control-vehicle, 117±7.1 versus control-clopidogrel, 125±4.2; AngII–vehicle, 197±10.7 versus AngII–clopidogrel, 198±5.2], but it normalized increased phenylephrine-induced vascular contractions [(%KCl) vehicle-treated, 182.2±18% versus clopidogrel, 133±14%), as well as impaired vasodilation to acetylcholine [(%) vehicle-treated, 71.7±2.2 versus clopidogrel, 85.3±2.8) in AngII-treated animals. Vascular expression of P2Y12 receptor was determined by Western blot. Pharmacological characterization of vascular P2Y12 was performed with the P2Y12 agonist 2-MeS-ADP [2-(methylthio) adenosine 5′-trihydrogen diphosphate trisodium]. Although 2-MeS-ADP induced endothelium-dependent relaxation [(Emax %)=71±12%) as well as contractile vascular responses (Emax %=83±12%), these actions are not mediated by P2Y12 receptor activation. 2-MeS-ADP produced similar vascular responses in control and AngII rats. These results indicate potential effects of clopidogrel, such as improvement of hypertension-related vascular functional changes that are not associated with direct actions of clopidogrel in the vasculature, supporting the concept that activated platelets contribute to endothelial dysfunction, possibly via impaired nitric oxide bioavailability.
Upgrading Root Physiology for Stress Tolerance by Ectomycorrhizas: Insights from Metabolite and Transcriptional Profiling into Reprogramming for Stress Anticipation
Authors: Luo Zhi-Bin , Janz Dennis , Jiang Xiangning , Göbel Cornelia , Wildhagen Henning , Tan Yupeng , Rennenberg Heinz , Feussner Ivo , Polle Andrea 
Published: October 2009

AbstractEctomycorrhizas (EMs) alleviate stress tolerance of host plants, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown. To elucidate the basis of EM-induced physiological changes and their involvement in stress adaptation, we investigated metabolic and transcriptional profiles in EM and non-EM roots of gray poplar (Populus × canescens) in the presence and absence of osmotic stress imposed by excess salinity. Colonization with the ectomycorrhizal fungus Paxillus involutus increased root cell volumes, a response associated with carbohydrate accumulation. The stress-related hormones abscisic acid and salicylic acid were increased, whereas jasmonic acid and auxin were decreased in EM compared with non-EM roots. Auxin-responsive reporter plants showed that auxin decreased in the vascular system. The phytohormone changes in EMs are in contrast to those in arbuscular mycorrhizas, suggesting that EMs and arbuscular mycorrhizas recruit different signaling pathways to influence plant stress responses. Transcriptome analyses on a whole genome poplar microarray revealed activation of genes related to abiotic and biotic stress responses as well as of genes involved in vesicle trafficking and suppression of auxin-related pathways. Comparative transcriptome analysis indicated EM-related genes whose transcript abundances were independent of salt stress and a set of salt stress-related genes that were common to EM non-salt-stressed and non-EM salt-stressed plants. Salt-exposed EM roots showed stronger accumulation of myoinositol, abscisic acid, and salicylic acid and higher K+-to-Na+ ratio than stressed non-EM roots. In conclusion, EMs activated stress-related genes and signaling pathways, apparently leading to priming of pathways conferring abiotic stress tolerance.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0
Authors: Ribera Mireia , Porras Merce , Boldu Marc , Termens Miquel , Sule Andreu , Paris Pilar 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain the changes in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 compared with WCAG 1.0 within the context of its historical development.Design/methodology/approachIn order to compare WCAG 2.0 with WCAG 1.0 a diachronic analysis of the evolution of these standards is done. Known authors and publications in the field, the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) web pages, WebAIM and the blogosphere were also monitored for comments and third‐party analyses. The analysis of the main changes from WCAG 1.0 to WCAG 2.0 was based on personal experience with WAI guidelines, experimentation with some of the new guidelines, and a selection of best practice online services in the application of the WCAG, including WAI documentation.FindingsWCAG 2.0 is more educational and is applied to more technologies than WCAG 1.0. The limitations of WCAG 1.0 are mostly due to its origin. In changing from one to the other, new priorities and new elements must be taken into account. The paper concludes that though these guidelines are a useful tool for governments, they are only the first step towards accessibility, which can only be achieved through user‐centred design.Originality/valueThis paper explains the significance and limitations of the WCAG and gives a short guide to adapting web sites to the new regulations.
Transforming organizational identity under institutional change
Authors: He Hongwei , Baruch Yehuda 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to report a case study investigating how organizational identity evolves during institutional change within a UK building society.Design/methodology/approachThe paper employs an inductive case study, which is appropriate for examining such change processes. It builds on grounded theory, considered appropriate for such an explanatory research.FindingsThe paper finds that: institutional change, especially regulation and practice changes, serves as the trigger to increasing salience of identity issues, i.e. identity ambiguity, legitimacy crisis and perceived identity obsolescence; leadership, organizational culture and strategic exercises are salient apparatuses to tackle identity problems caused by external pressure; and a new identity is formed as a result of the managerial interventions, characterised by the rediscovery of historical roots, modernization and dualism.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper provides an account of identity change, given a broader business environment change context within which the organization operates. Utilizing qualitative study of one case may be taken as a limitation.Originality/valueThe theoretical contribution reflected in the findings has implications for the interfaces between identity and institutional environment and organizational culture.
A decision theoretic approach to combining information filtering
Authors: Binun Alexander , Shapira Bracha , Elovici Yuval 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an extension to a framework based on the information structure (IS) model for combining information filtering (IF) results. The main goal of the framework is to combine the results of the different IF systems so as to maximise the expected payoff (EP) to the user. In this paper we compare three different approaches to tuning the relevance thresholds of individual IF systems that are being combined in order to maximise the EP to the user. In the first approach we set the same threshold for each of the IF systems. In the second approach the threshold of each IF system is tuned independently to maximise its own EP (“local optimisation”). In the third approach the thresholds of the IF systems are jointly tuned to maximise the EP of the combined system (“global optimisation”).Design/methodology/approachAn empirical evaluation is conducted to examine the performance of each approach using two IF systems based on somewhat different filtering algorithms (TFIDF, OKAPI). Experiments are run using the TREC3, TREC6, and TREC7 test collections.FindingsThe experiments reveal that, as expected, the third approach always outperforms the first and the second, and that for some user profiles, the difference is significant. However, operational goals argue against global optimisation, and the costs of meeting these operational goals are discussed.Research limitations/implicationsOne limitation is the assumption of independence of the IF systems: in real life systems usually use similar algorithms, so dependency might occur. The approach also tends to be examined with the assumption of dependency between systems.Practical implicationsThe main practical implications of this study lie in the empirical proof that combination of filtering systems improves filtering results and the finding about the optimal combination methods for the different user profiles. Many filtering applications exist (e.g. spam filters, news personalisation systems, etc.) that can benefit from these findings.Originality/valueThe study presents and compares the contribution of three different combination methods of filtering systems to the improvement of filtering results It empirically shows the benefits of each method and draws important conclusions about the combination of filtering systems.