bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spin‐offs: Tackling the Conglomerate Discount
Authors: Khorana Ajay , Shivdasani Anil , Stendevad Carsten , Sanzhar Sergey 
Published: December 2011

Spin‐offs and other restructuring actions have risen sharply in 2011, driven by the need to streamline business models and increase corporate values. These transactions can be an effective tool for addressing the conglomerate valuation discount that has been a pervasive phenomenon over the past decade, affecting conglomerates in most regions across the world.In particular, North American and Western European conglomerates trade at valuation multiples that are roughly 10% lower than those of their pure‐play peers. A conglomerate discount also prevails in some of the emerging markets, including CEEMEA and Asia. Nevertheless, in some regions, notably Japan and Latin America, conglomerates typically trade at a premium. Although the average conglomerate discount narrowed during the financial crisis due to the perceived benefits of diversification during downturns, almost half of the conglomerates globally trade at a discount, and almost a third of all conglomerates have persistently traded at a discount during the past five years.For such companies, fixing the discount requires a simplification of the business model. The authors show that recent announcements of spin‐offs have led to significant share price outperformance by the parent company in both the short and the longterm, highlighting their effectiveness as a tool to enhance valuation. Spin‐offs can be particularly attractive for those conglomerates that operate unrelated business segments since these firms trade at a sharper discount than diversified firms operating in related businesses. The authors discuss how management should think about the financial implications of spin‐offs, including capital structure considerations, dividend policy, and turnover in the shareholder base.
Pre‐Issuance Hedging of Fixed‐Rate Debt
Authors: Adams James , Smith Donald J. 
Published: December 2011

This article analyzes several corporate hedging strategies to manage interest rate risk on fixed‐rate debt prior to issuance. The authors start by considering these strategies using a highly stylized model: a binomial forward interest rate tree that, while simple in design, illustrates derivative pricing methodologies that are used in practice. Under a given rate volatility assumption, they demonstrate expected outcomes when entering a forward bond contract, a forward‐starting pay‐fixed interest swap, and a purchased option on that swap, as well as the “default” alternative of doing nothing. In principle, the decision of whether or not to hedge, as well as how to do so, depends on management's view of future interest rate volatility and degree of comfort with possible outcomes.The authors then assess the pros and cons of hedging strategies, with considerable emphasis on practical considerations. For example, while their theoretical model would allow an issuer to “lock” a specific debt issuance, in practice one can hedge only “benchmark” interest rate risk. The authors describe the use of both Treasury locks and forward‐starting swaps to address unexpected benchmark yield changes, and discuss how factors such as the time to issuance affect an issuer's choice of instrument. For instance, Treasury locks are typically used when the time to issuance is relatively short, while interest rate swaps are more common for longer times to issuance. The article also discusses circumstances in which a “do nothing” strategy may be preferable to other alternatives, as well as the disadvantages of issuing in advance. Finally, the authors describe the impact of financial accounting on different hedge strategies.
Beneficial Effects of Polyethylene Packages Containing Micrometer‐Sized Silver Particles on the Quality and Shelf Life of Dried Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)
Authors: Valipoor Motlagh N. , Hamed Mosavian M.T. , Mortazavi S.A. , Tamizi A. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  In this research, the effects of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) packages containing micrometer‐sized silver particles (LDPE‐Ag) on microbial and sensory factors of dried barberry were investigated in comparison with the pure LDPE packages. LDPE‐Ag packages with 1% and 2% concentrations of silver particles statistically caused a decrease in the microbial growth of barberry, especially in the case of mold and total bacteria count, compared with the pure LDPE packages. The taste, aroma, appearance, and total acceptance were evaluated by trained panelists using the 9‐point hedonic scale. This test showed improvement of all these factors in the samples related to packages containing 1% and 2% concentrations of silver particles in comparison with other samples.Practical Application:  Low‐density polyethylene package containing micrometer‐sized silver particles had beneficial effects on the sensory and microbial quality of barberry when compared with normal packing material.
Arsenic Contents in Spanish Infant Rice, Pureed Infant Foods, and Rice
Authors: Burló Francisco , Ramírez‐Gandolfo Amanda , Signes‐Pastor Antonio J. , Haris Parvez I. , Carbonell‐Barrachina Ángel A. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  It seems there is a positive correlation between rice content and arsenic level in foods. This is of extraordinary importance for infants below 1 y of age because their diet is very limited and in some cases is highly dependent on rice‐based products; this is particularly true for infants with the celiac disease because they have no other option than consume gluten‐free products, such as rice or corn. Arsenic contents were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in gluten‐free infant rice (0.057 mg kg−1) than in products with gluten, based on a mixture of cereals (0.024 mg kg−1). Besides, especial precaution must be taken when preparing rice‐based products at home, because arsenic content in Spanish rice was high, with levels being above 0.3 mg kg−1 in some cases.Practical Application:  From the data presented in this manuscript, it seems imperative that legislation on maximum residues of arsenic in food should be available as soon as possible to protect consumers worldwide. Research is needed to identify or breed rice cultivars with low accumulation of arsenic in the grain; otherwise the rice percentage in infant foods should be reduced.
Modification of Isoflavone Profiles in a Fermented Soy Food with Almond Powder
Authors: Park MinHee , Jeong Min Kyu , Kim MiJa , Lee JaeHwan 
Published: December 2011

Abstract: Isoflavone profiles of a fermented soy food,cheonggukjang,were modified using almond powder. Isoflavones were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with an ultraviolet detector. Malonyl derivatives of isoflavones decreased and aglycones of isoflavones increased in samples with almond powder for 48 h. As added, almond powder increased from 0%, 5%, and 10% (w/w), amounts of aglycones increased to 21.11%, 26.63%, and 32.45% for 48 h, respectively. β‐Glucosidase activity in 5% and 10% almond added samples was significantly higher than samples without addition of almond (P< 0.05). The content of succinyl daidzin and succinyl genistin, new metabolites from isoflavones, in almond‐addedcheonggukjangwas significantly lower than control samples, implying that β‐glucosidase activity from almond affected negatively the formation of succinyl derivatives (P< 0.05). Principal component analysis (PCA) for isoflavone distribution showed that first principal component (PC1) and second principal component (PC2) expressed 64.78% and 22.26% of the data variability, respectively. Biotransformation of isoflavones in any fermented soy foods can be achieved using natural products containing high β‐glucosidase activity such as almond.Practical Application: The results of this study can help to modify the structural transformation of phytochemicals in any fermented soy foods using natural products. Adjusting the content of almond powder can achieve wanted profiles, for example, high aglycones content. Also, content of metabolites such as succinyl derivatives can be controlled using proper amounts of almond and fermentation time.
Color, Lipid Oxidation, Sensory Quality, and Aroma Compounds of Beef Steaks Displayed under Different Levels of Oxygen in a Modified Atmosphere Package
Authors: Resconi Virginia Celia , Escudero Ana , Beltrán José Antonio , Olleta José Luis , Sañudo Carlos , Mar Campo María del 
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  High oxygen modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is currently used by the industry to maintain an attractive color in fresh meat. However, it can also promote lipid oxidation and sensory changes. The aim of this study was to compare the quality of beef steaks displayed under different levels of oxygen. For that purpose, meat was stored with 50%, 60%, and 80% of oxygen for 4 and 8 d at retail conditions. A control treatment with steaks vacuum packaged, without exposure to retail display, was included, and color, lipid oxidation, organoleptic characteristics, and aroma compounds were analyzed. Steaks displayed under high oxygen MAP with 50% of oxygen showed the lowest color stability, according to hue values. Higher oxygen levels did not necessarily correspond with higher rancidity levels in the raw meat. Thiobarbituric Acid Reacting Substances (TBARS) values were higher than 2.2 mg malonaldehyde (MDA)/kg muscle in all the samples displayed for 8 d at retail conditions. These samples exhibited the highest intensities of rancid and the least intense beef odors and flavors. The ketones: 2,3‐butanedione, 2‐octanone, 2,3‐pentanedione, 2‐heptanone, 4‐methyl‐2‐pentanone, and the aldehydes: pentanal, 2‐methyl‐butanal, and 2‐furfurylthiol, 1‐octen‐3‐ol and 2‐methylpropyl‐acetate, were proposed as candidates for the aroma differences between the cooked beef steaks stored under vacuum and high oxygen packs.Practical Application:  High oxygen modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is used to increase shelf‐life and color at the retail level. However, oxygen deteriorates faster some quality attributes, being a contributor to lipid oxidation that could be perceived at consumption. This study attempts to find the best gas composition in a MAP in order to maintain the color, minimizing the oxidation. Aromatically relevant chemicals have been analyzed by gas olfactometry‐gas chromatography as a key to measure beef oxidation after display.
Bacteriophage φ6—Structure Investigated by Fluorescence Stokes Shift Spectroscopy
Authors: Katz Alvin , Alimova Alexandra , Futerman Elina , Katz Garrett , Wei Hui , Gottlieb Paul 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe Stokes shift of tryptophan (Trp) fluorescence from layers of the lipid‐containing bacteriophage φ6 is compared to determine the relative effect of the layers on virus hydrophobicity. In the inner most layer, the empty procapsid (PC) which contains 80–90% of the virion Trp residues, λmax = 339.8 nm. The PC emission is substantially more redshifted than the other φ6 layers and nearer to that of the Pseudomonad host cell than the other φ6 layers. The Trp emission from the nucleocapsid (NC) with λmax = 337.4 nm, is blueshifted by 2.4 nm relative to the PC although the number of Trp in the NC is identical to the PC. This shift represents an increase in Trp hydrophobicity, likely a requirement for the maintenance of A‐form doubled‐stranded RNA. Fluorescence from the completely assembled virion indicates it is in a considerably more hydrophobic environment with λmax = 330.9 nm. Density measurements show that the water content in the NC does not change during envelope assembly, therefore the blueshifted φ6 emission suggests that the envelope changes the PC environment, probably via the P8 layer. This change in hydrophobicity likely arises from charge redistribution or envelope‐induced structural changes in the PC proteins.
Spontaneously hypertensive rats develop pronounced hepatic steatosis induced by choline‐deficient diet: Evidence for hypertension as a potential enhancer in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Ikuta Takuya , Kanno Keishi , Arihiro Koji , Matsuda Sosuke , Kishikawa Nobusuke , Fujita Keiko , Tazuma Susumu 
Published: December 2011

Aim:  Patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) frequently have many co‐morbidities including essential hypertension, which is reported to increase vascular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and alter the hepatic anti‐oxidant defense system. Since ROS play a role in the pathogenesis of NASH, it is hypothesized that hypertension modulates the hepatic oxidative status and influences the development of NASH. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of hypertension on the progression of NASH.Methods:  Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats as normotensive controls were fed choline‐deficient (CD) diet for 5 weeks. Histological changes, messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels in the liver were assessed in each group.Results:  Choline‐deficient diet led to pronounced hepatic steatosis in SHR with an 8‐fold increase of the hepatic triglyceride content, while there was no significant increase in WKY. These changes in SHR were associated with significant reduction in the expression of mRNA for peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α, acyl‐CoA oxidase, microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, and apolipoprotein B100. Consistent with the significant reduction of hepatic superoxide dismutase activity and marked downregulation of the gene expression of hepatic antioxidant enzymes, the hepatic TBARS level and the plasma level of alanine aminotransferase were only increased in SHR on CD diet.Conclusions:  Spontaneously hypertensive rats receiving CD diet showed severe hepatic steatosis associated with reduction of hepatic anti‐oxidant capacity, leading to increased hepatic oxidative stress and tissue damage. Accordingly, hypertension might have a potential effect on the progression of NASH.
Disease Progression and Treatment Response of Idiopathic Epilepsy inAustralianShepherd Dogs
Authors: Weissl J. , Hülsmeyer V. , Brauer C. , Tipold A. , Koskinen L.L. , Kyöstilä K. , Lohi H. , Sauter‐Louis C. , Wolf M. , Fischer A. 
Published: December 2011

BackgroundIdiopathic epilepsy (IE) in Australian Shepherds (ASs) occurs worldwide but there is a lack of description of the epilepsy syndrome in this breed. TheABCB1‐1Δ mutation is more prevalent inASs than in many other dog breeds.HypothesisAustralian Shepherds suffer from a poorly controlledIEsyndrome with prevailing severe courses. Seizure control andABCB1‐1Δ mutation might be related in this breed.AnimalsFifty ASs diagnosed with IE and 50 unaffected ASs.MethodsPredominant study design is a longitudinal cohort study. Pedigrees, medical records, seizure, and treatment data ofASs withIEwere analyzed descriptively. Sex, color, and theABCB1‐1Δ genotype were compared between case and control groups andASs with poorly or well‐controlled seizures. Differences in survival times were assessed by logrank tests andCox regression analysis.ResultsIdiopathic epilepsy inASs is dominated by moderate and severe clinical courses with the occurrence of cluster seizures and status epilepticus and a high seizure frequency. Poor seizure control and a high initial seizure frequency (≥10 seizure days/first 6 months) are associated with shorter survival times (P < .05). Poor seizure control, unrelated to theABCB1(MDR1) genotype, is evident in 56% of epilepticASs. Pedigree analysis suggests a genetic basis.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceFrequent severe clinical courses, poor seizure control unrelated to theABCB1(MDR1) genotype, and a young age at death compromise animal welfare and warrant further genetic studies to unravel the underlaying molecular mechanisms ofIEand seizure control in the breed.
Chromosomal Instability Substantiates Poor Prognosis in Patients with Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma
Authors: Bakhoum Samuel F. , Danilova Olga V. , Kaur Prabhjot , Levy Norman B. , Compton Duane A. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Purpose: The specific role of chromosomal instability (CIN) in tumorigenesis has been a matter of conjecture. In part, this is due to the challenge of directly observing chromosome mis-segregation events as well as the inability to distinguish the role of CIN, which consists of increased rates of chromosome mis-segregation, from that of aneuploidy, which is a state of nondiploid chromosome number.
Experimental Design: Here, we examine the contribution of CIN to the prognosis of patients diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) by directly surveying tumor cells, fixed while undergoing anaphase, for evidence of chromosome mis-segregation. Hematoxylin and eosin–stained samples from a cohort of 54 patients were used to examine the relationship between frequencies of chromosome mis-segregation and patient prognosis, overall survival, and response to treatment.
Results: We show that a two-fold increase in the frequency of chromosome mis-segregation led to a 24% decrease in overall survival and 48% decrease in relapse-free survival after treatment. The HR of death in patients with increased chromosome mis-segregation was 2.31 and these patients were more likely to present with higher tumor stage, exhibit tumor bone marrow involvement, and receive a higher International Prognostic Index score.
Conclusions: Increased rates of chromosome mis-segregation in DLBCL substantiate inferior outcome and poor prognosis. This is likely due to increased heterogeneity of tumor cells leading to a larger predilection for adaptation in response to external pressures such as metastasis and drug treatments. We propose that targeting CIN would yield superior prognosis and improved response to chemotherapeutic drugs. Clin Cancer Res; 17(24); 7704–11. ©2011 AACR.
Proteomic profiling of the mesenteric lymph after hemorrhagic shock: Differential gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry analysis
Authors: Zurawel Ashley , Moore Ernest E , Peltz Erik D , Jordan Janeen R , Damle Sagar , Dzieciatkowska Monika , Banerjee Anirban , Hansen Kirk C 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Experiments show that upon traumatic injury the composition of mesenteric lymph changes such that it initiates an immune response that can ultimately result in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). To identify candidate protein mediators of this process we carried out a quantitative proteomic study on mesenteric lymph from a well characterized rat shock model. We analyzed three animals using analytical 2D differential gel electrophoresis. Intra-animal variation for the majority of protein spots was minor. Functional clustering of proteins revealed changes arising from several global classes that give novel insight into fundamental mechanisms of MODS. Mass spectrometry based proteomic analysis of proteins in mesenteric lymph can effectively be used to identify candidate mediators and loss of protective agents in shock models.
A History of the Histories of Econometrics
Authors: Boumans Marcel , Dupont-Kieffer Ariane 
Published: December 2011

Econometricians have from the start considered historical knowledge of their own discipline as reflexive knowledge useful for delineating their discipline, that is, for setting its disciplinary boundaries with respect to its aims, its methods, and its scientific values. As such, the histories written by econometricians reflect the scientific image of their discipline in a given period. Each image of a period is drawn by denominating forerunners and founding fathers and uses the language of the dominant philosophy of science of that day.
At the end of the nineteenth century, a scientific theory had to be mathematical; in the interbellum the image of science was that of logical positivism. In the 1970s and 1980s the dominant views were those of Karl Popper, Imre Lakatos, and Thomas Kuhn. Currently the scientific image in econometrics is the one of the Stanford school (Nancy Cartwright, Ian Hacking, and Patrick Suppes).
Removal of Reactive Brilliant Orange X-GN from Aqueous Solutions By Mg-Al Layered Double Hydroxides
Authors: Wu Pingxiao , Zhang Qian , Dai Yaping , Zhu Nengwu , Li Ping , Wu Jinhua , Dang Zhi 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAmong the many techniques used to remove toxic dyes from the environment, layered double hydroxides (LDH) are considered to be especially environmentally friendly, but, this quality may be altered by variations in the octahedral Mg/Al molar ratios in the LDH structure. The aim of the present study was to synthesize environmentally sound LDH for use as an economically viable sorbent for the adsorption of reactive brilliant orange X-GN. Layered double hydroxides with Mg/Al molar ratios of 2:1 and 4:1 were prepared by co-precipitation. The materials obtained were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), and surface-area analysis. Batch experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of contact time, pH, adsorbent dosage, and initial dye concentration on the adsorption behavior of the reactive brilliant orange X-GN by Mg-Al LDH. The results showed that the optimum pH value for dye adsorption was 3.0, at which the adsorption capacities of the reactive brilliant orange X-GN by the 2:1 LDH and the 4:1 LDH at 298 K were 79.370 mg/g and 83.343 mg/g, respectively. Further analysis of the dye-adsorption kinetics show that they fit the pseudo second-order model well. The adsorption equilibrium data showed that the Langmuir model provided better correlation of the equilibrium data than the Freundlich model. This result indicates that LDH provide specific homogeneous sites where monolayer dye adsorption occurs. The results of XRD and FTIR analyses of LDH before and after the dye adsorption demonstrated that the adsorption mechanisms were ion exchange and coulombic attraction.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Visible-Light Photo-Fenton Catalytic Activity of Hydroxy Fe/Al-Intercalated Montmorillonite
Authors: Li Hailing , Wu Pingxiao , Dang Zhi , Zhu Nengwu , Li Ping , Wu Jinhua 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe photochemically assisted Fenton reaction (photo-Fenton) is important because it may be particularly effective for the degradation of harmful organic compounds in the environment using solar light. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of hydroxy Fe/Al-intercalated montmorillonites (Fe/Al-Mt) as photo-Fenton catalysts. In particular, different Fe/Al molar ratios were of interest as a means to vary catalytic activity. Intercalation was achieved via an ion-exchange method and brilliant orange X-GN was the test compound for photodegradation by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) under visible-light irradiation (γ < 420 nm) in the presence of Fe/Al-Mt. The Fe/Al-Mt materials obtained were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption/desorption, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The decoloration performance of Fe/Al-Mt was investigated using different experimental parameters, including the synthesis method, the Fe/Al molar ratio of the intercalating solution, the catalyst dosage, the H2O2 dosage, and the pH. The results of photo-Fenton reaction showed that the photocatalytic activity of Fe/Al-Mt was enhanced significantly by the extent of hydroxy Al/Fe intercalation. For optimal reaction conditions, 99.92% degradation efficiency of X-GN was achieved after 140 min of reaction. To obtain further information on the visible-light-assisted photo-Fenton process, a high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method was applied to indentify the intermediate products and a degradation pathway was proposed.