bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MQScore_SNP Software for Multipoint Parametric Linkage Analysis of Quantitative Traits in Large Pedigrees
Authors: Axenovich Tatiana I. , Aulchenko Yurii S. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryWe describe software for multipoint parametric linkage analysis of quantitative traits using information about SNP genotypes. A mixed model of major gene and polygene inheritance is implemented in this software. Implementation of several algorithms to avoid computational underflow and decrease running time permits application of our software to the analysis of very large pedigrees collected in human genetically isolated populations. We tested our software by performing linkage analysis of adult height in a large pedigree from a Dutch isolated population. Three significant and four suggestive loci were identified with the help of our programs, whereas variance‐component‐based linkage analysis, which requires the pedigree fragmentation, demonstrated only three suggestive peaks.The software package MQScore_SNP is available at http://mga.bionet.nsc.ru/soft/index.html.
Effects of acute and chronic administration of atomoxetine and methylphenidate on extracellular levels of noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin in the prefrontal cortex and striatum of mice
Authors: Koda Ken , Ago Yukio , Cong Yana , Kita Yuki , Takuma Kazuhiro , Matsuda Toshio 
Published: April 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)114, 259–270.AbstractAcute administration of atomoxetine and methylphenidate, attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drugs, activates catecholaminergic systems in rat brain, but the effects of their chronic administration are not known. This study examined the effects of acute and chronic administration of ADHD drugs on the extracellular levels of noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5‐HT), and the expression of the neuronal activity marker c‐Fos in the prefrontal cortex and striatum of mice. Acute ADHD drugs increased NA and DA, but not 5‐HT, levels in the prefrontal cortex of mice. Maximal effects of atomoxetine and methylphenidate were observed at 1 mg/kg and 3 mg/kg, respectively. At these doses, both drugs did not affect the spontaneous locomotor activity of mice. Chronic administration of atomoxetine 1 mg/kg and methylphenidate 3 mg/kg for 21 days also increased NA and DA, but not 5‐HT, levels in the prefrontal cortex. The increases in NA levels induced by atomoxetine, but not methylphenidate, were reduced by chronic treatment. In contrast, acute and chronic administration of atomoxetine 1 mg/kg and methylphenidate 3 mg/kg did not affect the monoamine levels in the striatum. Acute and chronic atomoxetine 1 mg/kg and methylphenidate 3 mg/kg increased the expression of c‐Fos in the prefrontal cortex, but not in the striatum, to a similar extent. These results suggest that acute and chronic administration of the ADHD drugs selectively activate the prefrontal catecholamine systems in mice.
Patients with isolated polycystic liver disease referred to liver centres: clinical characterization of 137 cases
Authors: Van Keimpema Loes , De Koning Daan B. , Van Hoek Bart , Van Den Berg Aad P. , Van Oijen Martijn G. H. , De Man Robert A. , Nevens Frederik , Drenth Joost P. H. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground and aim: Isolated polycystic liver disease (PCLD) is characterized by the presence of multiple cysts in the liver in the absence of polycystic kidneys. The clinical profile of PCLD is poorly defined and we set up a study for the clinical characteristics of PCLD.Methods: We collected clinical data on 188 PCLD patients (defined as >10 liver cysts) from five tertiary referral centres, and 137 patients were selected for the purpose of this study. We performed molecular analysis of the PCLD associated genes PRKCSH and SEC63 in 91 patients.Results: A total of 118 (86%) patients were female. The majority of patients (88%) had >20 cysts. The median age at diagnosis was 47 years (range 23–84). 37 (41%) patients carried a mutation. Clinical symptoms at presentation were present in 111 (84%) patients. γ‐glutamyl transferase was elevated to 1.4 times upper limit of normal (interquartile range 1.0–2.7). The presence of a mutation and female gender predicted a more severe course: female patients were 9 years younger at the time of diagnosis (47 years; range 23–84) and 91% had symptoms (P<0.01); likewise, mutation carriers were younger at presentation (39 years; range 35–48) and 95% of this cohort had symptoms (P<0.01). During follow‐up [median 8.2 years (range 0–35)], 10% of untreated and 51% of treated patients developed complications. Mortality in this cohort was 8%, but only 2% died of PCLD‐related causes. 58% of patients were treated a median of 2 years (range 0–25) after diagnosis.Conclusion: Symptomatic PCLD patients are mainly females. Females and mutation carriers were younger at diagnosis and had a more severe course of disease.
Migraine and Migraines of Specialists: Perceptions and Management
Authors: Donnet Anne , Becker Henri , Allaf Bashar , Lantéri‐Minet Michel 
Published: April 2010

(Headache 2010;50:1115‐1125)Objectives.— To describe the perception of migraine by neurologists in France, to compare perceptions between neurologists who did and did not suffer from migraines and to describe treatments used for their own migraines.Background.— Patients with migraine are usually undertreated, as treatment guidelines are frequently not followed and, therefore, resulting treatment satisfaction is low. One reason for this may be inappropriate perceptions of physicians concerning the seriousness of the pathology and the need to treat. However, available information on physician perceptions of migraine is limited.Methods.— This was an observational, epidemiological survey conducted both in hospital‐ and community‐based neurologists in France. Participating neurologists completed an anonymous questionnaire which collected data on demographics, migraine status, and perceptions of migraine. Neurologists who considered themselves migraineurs also provided data on migraine impact, treatment and on treatment satisfaction. Distributions of responses to questions on migraine perceptions were compared between migraineur and nonmigraineur neurologists.Results.— The study included 368 neurologists, of whom 179 (48.6%) were migraineurs themselves. Some 92.3% of participants claimed to be very or quite interested in migraine. Migraine was considered a real illness by 96.5% of neurologists and to be very or quite disabling by 96.6%. Around half perceived migraine as a challenging condition to manage with respect to unrealistic patient expectations (46.2%), time‐consuming treatment (48.9%), and complications because of anxious or depressive comorbidity (59.9%) or medical nomadism (consulting multiple physicians for the same condition; 47.0%). No significant differences in any perception items were observed between migraineur and nonmigraineur neurologists. In total, 83.1% of neurologists were satisfied with acute headache treatments and 60.4% with prophylactic headache treatments. The most frequently reported treatments for neurologist's own migraines were nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (used by 57.0%) and triptans (50.3%).Conclusions.— French neurologists are interested and concerned about migraine but find it challenging to treat. Migraine perceptions do not differ between neurologists who do and do not suffer from migraines themselves. Neurology training needs to prepare medical students adequately for the challenges of migraine treatment in terms of patient communication and psychiatric issues.
50+ Years of Diversification Announcements
Authors: Akbulut Mehmet E. , Matsusaka John G. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThis paper studies announcement returns from 4,764 mergers over 57 years to shed light on several controversies concerning corporate diversification. One prominent view is that diversification destroys value because of agency problems or internal investment distortions, but we find that combined (acquirer plus target) announcement returns are significantly positive for diversifying mergers throughout the period, and no lower than the returns for related mergers. The returns from diversifying acquisitions fell after 1980, and investors rewarded mergers involving financially constrained firms before but not after 1980, consistent with the idea that the value of internal capital markets declined over time.
Terrorism and Stock Market Sentiment
Authors: Nikkinen Jussi , Vähämaa Sami 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThis paper examines the effects of terrorism on stock market sentiment by focusing on the behavior of expected probability density functions of the FTSE 100 index around terrorist attacks. We find that terrorism has a strong adverse impact on stock market sentiment. In particular, terrorist attacks are found to cause a pronounced downward shift in the expected value of the FTSE 100 index and a significant increase in stock market uncertainty. Furthermore, our results show that the expected FTSE 100 probability densities became significantly more negatively skewed and fat‐tailed in the immediate aftermath of terrorist acts.
Investment Irreversibility, Cash Flow Risk, and Value‐Growth Stock Return Effects
Authors: Prombutr Wikrom , Lockwood Larry , Diltz J. David 
Published: April 2010

AbstractWe simulate results from a simple real options model to provide insight into the value‐growth stock return anomaly. In our model, firms possess either single (“value” firm) or multiple (“growth” firm) investment opportunities. Our model predicts that growth firms: (1) invest sooner, (2) exhibit greater continuity in capital expenditure over time, (3) have lower book‐to‐market ratios, and (4) generate lower rates of return than value firms.
Does Inclusion in a Smaller S&P Index Create Value?
Authors: Becker‐Blease John R. , Paul Donna L. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThis study finds overall increases in equity value surrounding addition to the S&P SmallCap and MidCap indexes from 1996 to 2003 and investigates sources of the value gains. Following addition, there are significant increases in proxy variables for stock liquidity and investor recognition, and changes in these variables are impounded into the permanent component of announcement share price revisions. We also find that changes in capital investment intensity are increasing in changes in stock liquidity, consistent with a reduction in the cost of capital following index addition.
The Efficacy of Regulation Fair Disclosure
Authors: Sinha Praveen , Gadarowski Christopher 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThis paper examines the impact of Securities and Exchange Commission's Regulation Fair Disclosure (FD) on information leakage around voluntary management disclosures. We find a positive correlation between stock returns two days before and after the voluntary disclosure in the pre‐Regulation FD period, but not in the post‐Regulation FD period. After Regulation FD is implemented, pre‐announcement abnormal return as a percentage of total return decreases by 26.1% (21.4%) for large firms with good (bad) news, suggesting that the amount of information leakage reduces for these firms. These findings provide support for the premise and the intended purpose of the regulation for large firms.
Yes, The Value Line Enigma Is Still Alive: Evidence from Online Timeliness Rank Changes
Authors: Zhang Ying , Nguyen Giao X. , Le Steven V. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBeginning June 9, 2005, Value Line started announcing its Timeliness changes online at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, one day earlier than Friday noon's post‐delivery. We confirm that the Value Line effect still exists but shifts to Thursday in the Internet era. Unlike previous findings, the next‐day abnormal return after the announcement has disappeared, suggesting that the market efficiently priced the change. We find that a portfolio upgraded from rank 5 to 4 gains the highest cumulative abnormal return of 9.07% over a 50‐day window. Finally, we find that the post‐earnings announcement drift does not explain the Value Line enigma.
Asset Pricing and Welfare Analysis with Bounded Rational Investors
Authors: Lu Lei 
Published: April 2010

AbstractMotivated by the fact that investors have limited ability to process information, I model investors’ bounded rational behavior in processing information and investigate its implications for asset pricing. Investors can make mistakes in processing information and thus have inaccurate estimates of fundamentals. This process generates “bounded rational risk.” I find that the volatility of stock and bond return increases in the presence of bounded rational investors, which can help explain the excessive volatility puzzle. The stock‐bond return correlation becomes time varying and even negative and rational investors benefit from the trading with bounded rational investors.
Resource settings have a major influence on the outcome of maintenance hemodialysis patients in South India
Authors: Georgi ABRAHAM , Jayaseelan T. , Milly MATTHEW , Padma P. , Saravanan A. K. , Nancy LESLEY , Yuvaram N. V. REDDY , Saravanan S. , Yogesh N. V. REDDY 
Published: April 2010

AbstractChronic kidney disease is reaching epidemic proportions and the number of patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT) is increasing worldwide and also in developing countries. To meet the challenge of providing RRT, a few charity organizations provide hemodialysis units for underprivileged patients, as the private hospitals are unaffordable for the majority. There is a paucity of information on the outcome of dialysis in these patients. Here, we describe the outcome of hemodialysis patients comparing the middle‐ and upper‐class income group with the lower class income group. A retrospective analysis was carried out in 558 CKD patients initiated on maintenance hemodialysis in two different dialysis facilities. Group A (n=247) included those who belonged to the lowermost socioeconomic status and were undergoing dialysis in two nonprofit, charity (TANKER)‐run dialysis units, and Group B (n=311) was undergoing dialysis in a nonprofit hospital setting where no subsidy was given. Those patients of a low socioeconomic status, especially those who are diabetics, have a higher death rate (Group A‐38.1%, Group B‐4.2%) and loss to follow‐up (Group A‐25.9%, Group B‐0.3%) compared with those who are in the middle‐ and high‐income group. Higher EPO use and hence higher hemoglobin levels (Group A‐6.4±1.2, Group B‐8.9±1.5 P<0.001) were observed in those who were in the middle and the higher income group. Lower serum phosphorus level was observed in the low‐socioeconomic group (Group A‐4.7±1.5, Group B‐5.5±1.9, P<0.001). Patients belonging to the middle and higher socioeconomic group undergo more transplantations compared with the lower socioeconomic group (Group A‐2.4%, Group B‐65.6%).
Stable isotope analysis indicates trophic differences among forest floor carabids in Japan
Authors: Okuzaki Yutaka , Tayasu Ichiro , Okuda Noboru , Sota Teiji 
Published: April 2010

AbstractDifferences in trophic niches among carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) co‐occurring on the forest floors of warm temperate forests in central Japan were studied using carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope analyses. Different carabid species showed similar δ15N values, which were higher than those of their possible invertebrate prey (herbivores and detritivores) collected from the litter layer, indicating that these species were consumers in the same trophic level. In contrast, δ13C values differed among carabid species, indicating interspecific differences in prey animals. The variation in the δ13C value was larger in summer than in autumn. In summer, δ13C values indicated that some carabids depended highly on either grazing (low δ13C values) or detrital sources (high δ13C values) within the food chain [Chlaenius posticalis Motschulsky and Haplochlaenius costiger (Chaudoir), respectively], although other species with intermediate δ13C values likely depended on both. The latter group of species comprised mostly two dominant genera (Carabus and Synuchus). Although congeners might have similar feeding habits, the stable isotope ratios indicated trophic niche differences between adults of different species and between adults and larvae of the same genus.
Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) genotypes among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐related B‐cell Lymphomas and B‐cell post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (B‐PTLD) – late‐onset lymphomas, especially in the HIV setting, are associated with type‐B‐EBV
Authors: Ibrahim Hazem A. H. , Menasce Lia P. , Pomplun Sabine , Burke Margaret , Bower Mark , Naresh Kikkeri N. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractWe investigated 26 B‐cell post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (B‐PTLD) and 15 human immunodeficiency virus‐related aggressive B‐cell lymphomas (HIV‐BCL) from England that were associated with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) for the polymorphic sequences of the EBV‐encoded nuclear antigen 3C (EBNA3C) gene to distinguish the two different EBV strains. Type‐A‐EBV was identified in 92% of B‐PTLDS and in 53% of HIV‐BCL (P = 0.003). Among HIV‐BCL, patients associated with type‐B‐EBV had been HIV positive for significantly longer when compared to those associated with type‐A (P = 0.037) although there were no correlations with ethnicity, CD4 cell counts or plasma HIV viral load.
Modeling above‐ground litterfall in eastern Mediterranean conifer forests using fractional tree cover, and remotely sensed and ground data
Authors: Taskinsu‐Meydan Sibel , Evrendilek Fatih , Berberoglu Suha , Donmez Cenk 
Published: April 2010

AbstractQuestion: How can we model above‐ground litterfall in Mediterranean conifer forests using remotely sensed and ground data, and geographic information systems (GIS)?Location: Eastern Mediterranean conifer forest of Turkey.Methods: Above‐ground litterfall from Mediterranean forest stands of Pinus nigra, Cedrus libani, Pinus brutia and Juniperus excelsa and mixed Abies cilicica, C. libani and P. nigra was modeled as a function of fractional tree cover using a regression tree algorithm, based on IKONOS and Landsat TM/ETM+data. Landsat TM/ETM+images for the study area were used to map actual stand patterns, based on a land‐cover map of species stands using a supervised classification.Results: Total amount of annual above‐ground litterfall for the entire study area (12 260 km2) was estimated at 417.2 Mg ha−1 for P. brutia, 291.1 Mg ha−1 for the mixed stand, 115.5 Mg ha−1 for P. nigra, 54.6 Mg ha−1 for J. excelsa and 45.9 Mg ha−1 for C. libani. The maps generated indicate the distribution of the seasonal amount of total above‐ground litterfall for different species and the distribution of species stands in the study area. There was an increase in the amount of above‐ground litterfall for P. brutia stand in summer, for J. excelsa in autumn and for C. libani, P. nigra and the mixed stand of A. cilicica, P. nigra and C. libani in winter.Conclusion: Application of this model helps to improve the accuracy of estimated litterfall input to soil organic carbon pools in the Mediterranean conifer forests.
The influence of dog ownership in childhood on the sociality of elderly Japanese men
Authors: NAGASAWA Miho , OHTA Mitsuaki 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACTIn Japan, care for the elderly has been a serious social issue. The relationship between dog ownership and health of the elderly has attracted considerable attention, but it is still unclear whether dog ownership affects the health of owners. In this study, we focused on the experiences of dog ownership in the past. The questionnaire survey was conducted targeting elderly Japanese men and asking them to clarify whether the experience of dog ownership in the past influences their current mental and physical health. To examine the characteristics of the experience of dog ownership, we divided past dog owners by a hierarchical cluster analysis using the variables related to the experiences of dog ownership. We added the ‘never owned a dog’ group to the three groups that were provided by the cluster analysis, and conducted analysis of variance and multiple linear regression analysis using the variables of physical and mental health. The results showed that the group that owned their first dog at an early age and owned more dogs later scored higher in the companionship and social support scales. These results suggested that the experiences of dog ownership in childhood were related to the sociality of older men, such as the enhancement of their companionship with others.
The possible role of bovine herpesvirus type‐4 infection in cow infertility
Authors: GÜR Sibel , DOĞAN Nurhan 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACTExperimental and field studies have proven that the bovine herpesvirus type‐4 (BHV‐4) infection leads to various reproductive system problems. In this study, the role of BHV‐4 infection in repeat breeding was investigated serologically. Eighty‐four samples were obtained from repeat‐breeding diagnosed cows in two organized dairy herds; an equal number of healthy cows were sampled from the same farms. The rest of the samples (105) were obtained from reproductively normal cows that were breeding in 18 small enterprises as a control group. The seropositivity proportion in repeat‐breeding diagnosed cows was found to be significantly higher (69% (58/84)) than other cows (44% (37/84)) on the same farms. The lowest antibody positivity value for BHV‐4 was detected as 24.7% (26/105) in the samples from family‐type small farms. The odds ratio (OR) value was calculated as 2.834 in repeat‐breeding diagnosed and healthy cows on the same farms, while 6.778 was determined in cows with and without reproductive problems on organized farms compared to small farms. As a result, the BHV‐4 infection can be considered one of the reasons for repeat breeding besides other reproductive disorders.
Effects of dietary protein level in the early fattening period on free amino acids and dipeptides in the blood and Longissimus thoracis muscle in Japanese Black steers
Authors: IWAMOTO Eiji , IWAKI Fumiyuki , OKA Akio 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACTThe effects of crude protein (CP) concentration in feed using soybean meal as its source in the early fattening period on the levels of free amino acids (FAAs) and dipeptides in the blood, and the levels in the M. longissimus thoracis after slaughter were studied in Japanese Black steers. Sixteen steers were divided into four groups and given feed with a CP content of 12, 14, 16, or 18% of dry matter (DM) from 10 to 20 months old, and they were fed with the same level of CP (13.5–13.9% of DM) until slaughter at 30 months of age. There was no significant difference in the weight gain, carcass weight or marbling score between the groups. Concerning the serum FAA and dipeptide contents at 20 months of age, the alanine, tyrosine and tryptophan levels decreased, while the carnosine (Car) level increased, with increases in the CP level in the feed. Although there were no significant differences in the FAA contents of the Longissimus thoracis muscle between the groups, the Car content decreased with increases in the feed protein level.