bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic ethanol exposure produces tolerance to elevations in neuroactive steroids: Mechanisms and reversal by exogenous ACTH
Authors: Boyd Kevin N. , Kumar Sandeep , O’Buckley Todd K. , Morrow A. Leslie 
Published: July 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)115, 142–152.AbstractAcute ethanol administration increases potent GABAergic neuroactive steroids, specifically (3α,5α)‐3‐hydroxypregnan‐20‐one (3α,5α‐THP) and (3α,5α)‐3,21‐dihydroxypregnan‐20‐one. In addition, neuroactive steroids contribute to ethanol actions. Chronic ethanol exposure results in tolerance to many effects of ethanol, including ethanol‐induced increases in neuroactive steroid levels. To determine the mechanisms of tolerance to ethanol‐induced increases in neuroactive steroids, we investigated critical signaling molecules that are required for acute ethanol effects. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were administered ethanol via liquid diet for 2 weeks and steroid levels, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and adrenal steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein expression were measured. Chronic ethanol exposure elicits tolerance to ethanol‐induced elevation of serum ACTH and the steroids pregnenolone and progesterone. Surprisingly, chronic ethanol exposure does not result in tolerance to ethanol‐induced increases in adrenal StAR protein. However, ethanol‐induced StAR phosphorylation is decreased when compared to acute ethanol administration. A separate group of rats exposed to chronic ethanol diet were subsequently challenged with ethanol (2 g/kg) and exhibited a blunted elevation of serum ACTH and progesterone as well as cerebral cortical and hippocampal 3α,5α‐THP. Administration of ACTH with the ethanol challenge restored the elevation of serum ACTH and progesterone as well as cerebral cortical 3α,5α‐THP levels to those observed in ethanol‐naïve rats. Thus, chronic ethanol exposure disrupts ACTH release, which results in tolerance to ethanol‐induced increases in neuroactive steroid levels. Loss of the ethanol‐induced increases in neuroactive steroids may contribute to behavioral tolerance to ethanol and influence the progression towards alcoholism.
Protection of cortical neurons from excitotoxicity by conjugated linoleic acid
Authors: Hunt Waylon T. , Kamboj Amit , Anderson Hope D. , Anderson Christopher M. 
Published: July 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 123–130.AbstractConjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is an isomeric mixture of 18‐carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids with conjugated double bonds derived from linoleic acid. CLA is sourced nutritionally from dairy products and ruminant animal meat and is associated with beneficial heath effects in several disorders, including cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes, obesity, and inflammation. We investigated the potential for CLA to protect neurons from death in stroke simulated by exposing cultured mouse embryonic cortical neurons to glutamate. CLA (10 30 μM) significantly protected neuronal survival in response to glutamate (3 μM) excitotoxicity when given concurrently with glutamate. CLA (30 μM) also reduced neuron death when given up to 5 h after glutamate exposure (73.1 ± 13.3% protection, p < 0.01), suggesting potential utility as a post‐injury therapeutic tool. The cis‐9, trans‐11 CLA isomer, which comprises about 40% of the commercial CLA mixture used, was identified as the active neuroprotective species. The other major species, trans‐10, cis‐12 CLA (40%) was without significant neuroprotective effect. CLA significantly increased neuronal Bcl‐2 levels when given with glutamate and attenuated glutamate‐induced dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential, suggesting a stabilizing influence on mitochondrial function. These results show that CLA is capable of strong neuroprotective effects in glutamate excitotoxicity at concentrations likely achieved by consumption of CLA as a dietary supplement.
Subaqueous soils: their genesis and importance in ecosystem management
Authors: Erich E. , Drohan P. J. , Ellis L. R. , Collins M. E. , Payne M. , Surabian D. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractResearch by soil scientists examining estuarine aquatic substrates has identified pedogenic processes, resulting in the reclassification of these aquatic substrates (sediments) as subaqueous soils (SASs). Pedogenic processes in SASs are similar in concept to those occurring in subaerial soils, and thus SASs can be described and mapped based on pedogenic similarities using Jenny’s soil forming factors for interpreting soil genesis. The occurrence of SASs in estuarine and freshwater ecosystems places them at the centre of many ecosystem‐dependent processes supporting food webs linked directly to the human population and its economy. Early research on SASs has been driven by addressing fishery habitat support questions for US subaquatic vegetation populations (SAV), and for estimating the carbon sequestration potential of soils with SAV. New land use interpretations for SASs include bottom type, presence of sulphidic materials, potential for submerged aquatic vegetation restoration, limitations for moorings and species lists for plants and algae common to tidal areas. Subaquatic soils are a viable, exciting frontier of soil science research that will surely foster multi‐disciplinary collaborations. While their genesis is only beginning to be understood, it is clear that their importance in human‐dependent land management issues such as soil and water quality, food supply and human survival is great. However, the fragility of such soils for providing vital functions to support life on Earth suggests that they need to be investigated and monitored.
The Information Content of Forward‐Looking Statements in Corporate Filings—A Naïve Bayesian Machine Learning Approach
Authors: LI FENG 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the information content of the forward‐looking statements (FLS) in the Management Discussion and Analysis section (MD&A) of 10‐K and 10‐Q filings using a Naïve Bayesian machine learning algorithm. I find that firms with better current performance, lower accruals, smaller size, lower market‐to‐book ratio, less return volatility, lower MD&A Fog index, and longer history tend to have more positive FLSs. The average tone of the FLS is positively associated with future earnings even after controlling for other determinants of future performance. The results also show that, despite increased regulations aimed at strengthening MD&A disclosures, there is no systematic change in the information content of MD&As over time. In addition, the tone in MD&As seems to mitigate the mispricing of accruals. When managers “warn” about the future performance implications of accruals (i.e., the MD&A tone is positive (negative) when accruals are negative (positive)), accruals are not associated with future returns. The tone measures based on three commonly used dictionaries (Diction, General Inquirer, and the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count) do not positively predict future performance. This result suggests that these dictionaries might not work well for analyzing corporate filings.
The Economics of Sustainable Land Management Practices in the Ethiopian Highlands
Authors: Kassie Menale , Zikhali Precious , Pender John , Köhlin Gunnar 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThis article uses data from household‐ and plot‐level surveys conducted in the highlands of the Tigray and Amhara regions of Ethiopia. We examine the contribution of sustainable land management (SLM) practices to net value of agricultural production in areas with low vs. high agricultural potential. A combination of parametric and non‐parametric estimation techniques is used to check result robustness. Both techniques consistently predict that minimum tillage (MT) is superior to commercial fertilisers (CFs), as are farmers’ traditional practices (FTPs) without CFs, in enhancing crop productivity in the low agricultural potential areas. In the high agricultural potential areas, in contrast, use of CFs is superior to both MT and FTPs without CFs. The results are found to be insensitive to hidden bias. Our findings imply a need for careful agro‐ecological targeting when developing, promoting and scaling up SLM practices.
Bilirubin in clinical practice: a review
Authors: Fevery Johan 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBilirubin is an endogenous compound that can be toxic under certain conditions but, on the other hand, mild unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia might protect against cardiovascular diseases and tumour development. Serum bilirubin levels are often enhanced under a variety of clinical conditions. These are discussed and the mechanisms are outlined.
Liver failure after partial hepatic resection: definition, pathophysiology, risk factors and treatment
Authors: Van Den Broek Maartje A. J. , Olde Damink Steven W. M. , Dejong Cornelis H. C. , Lang Hauke , Malagó Massimo , Jalan Rajiv , Saner Fuat H. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractLiver failure is a dreaded and often fatal complication that sometimes follows a partial hepatic resection. This article reviews the definition, incidence, pathogenesis, risk factors, risk assessment, prevention, clinical features and treatment of post‐resectional liver failure (PLF). A systematic, computerized search was performed using key words related to ‘partial hepatic resection’ and ‘liver failure’ to review most relevant literature about PLF published in the last 20 years.The reported incidence of PLF ranges between 0.7 and 9.1%. An inadequate quantity or quality of residual liver mass are key events in its pathogenesis. Major risk factors are the presence of comorbid conditions, pre‐existent liver disease and small remnant liver volume (RLV). It is essential to identify these risk factors during the pre‐operative assessment that includes evaluation of liver volume, anatomy and function. Preventive measures should be applied whenever possible as curative treatment options for PLF are limited. These preventive measures intend to increase RLV and protect remnant liver function. Management principles focus on support of end‐organ and liver function. Further research is needed to elucidate the exact pathogenesis of PLF and to develop and validate adequate treatment options.
Connective tissue growth factor: a fibrogenic master switch in fibrotic liver diseases
Authors: Gressner Olav A. , Gressner Axel M. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractConnective tissue growth factor (CTGF=CCN2), one of six members of cysteine‐rich, secreted, heparin‐binding proteins with a modular structure, is recognized as an important player in fibrogenic pathways as deduced from findings in non‐hepatic tissues and emerging results from liver fibrosis. Collectively, the data show strongly increased expression in fibrosing tissues and transforming growth factor (TGF‐β)‐stimulated expression in hepatocytes, biliary epithelial cells and stellate cells. Functional activity as a mediator of fibre–fibre, fibre–matrix and matrix–matrix interactions, as an enhancer of profibrogenic TGF‐β and several secondary effects owing to TGF‐β enhancement, and as a down‐modulator of the bioactivity of bone morphogenetic protein‐7 has been proposed. By changing the activity ratio of TGF‐β to its antagonist bone‐morphogenetic protein‐7, CTGF is proposed as a fibrogenic master switch for epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Consequently, knockdown of CTGF considerably attenuates experimental liver fibrosis. The spill‐over of CTGF from the liver into the blood stream proposes this protein as a non‐invasive reporter of TGF‐β bioactivity in this organ. Indeed, CTGF‐levels in sera correlate significantly with fibrogenic activity. The data suggest CTGF as a multifaceted regulatory protein in fibrosis, which offers important translational aspects for diagnosis and follow‐up of hepatic fibrogenesis and as a target for therapeutic interventions. In addition, CTGF‐promoter polymorphism might be of importance as a prognostic genetic marker to predict the progression of fibrosis.
Performance of parallel screening of Brazilian blood donors with two human immunodeficiency virus immunoassays: implications for sequential immunoassay testing algorithms in other countries
Authors: Sabino Ester C. , Salles Nanci A. , de Almeida‐Neto Cesar , Barreto Angela M. , Basques Fernando , Barros Emanuelle A. , Mendrone Jr Alfredo , Busch Michael P. ,   for the NHLBI Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study‐II (REDS‐II) and International Component
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND: In Brazil it is mandatory to screen donors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies using two immunoassays (IAs) in parallel. Confirmatory testing is performed only on reactive donors who return for counseling. The goal of this analysis was to determine if concordant IA reactivity accurately predicts infection and can be used for HIV incidence and/or prevalence analyses.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We reviewed HIV screening and confirmatory results obtained for 307,407 donations in the first year of the REDS‐II study in Brazil (2007) and for 2,304,755 donations collected from 1996 to 2006 in one of the REDS‐II sites (São Paulo, Brazil).RESULTS: In the São Paulo site, 11,410 (0.50%) HIV IA–reactive donations were discarded, but only 2095 (0.09%) were reactive to both IAs. Western blot was positive on 1002 (48%) dual‐IA–reactive donors who returned for counseling. Only four HIV‐infected donors were detected who had been missed at screening by one of the IAs; all occurred before 2002. The positive predictive value (PPV) of dual‐IA reactivity varied from 45.8 to 100%, with 80% to 90% PPVs when using IAs from different manufacturers. If both assays yielded signal‐to‐cutoff (S/C) values of 3.0 or more, PPVs ranged from 91% to 99%, with approximately 99% sensitivity for true HIV seropositivity.CONCLUSION: Parallel testing of all donations has limited efficacy when highly sensitive IAs are used. Reactivity by two sequential IAs is useful for prevalence studies if the assays are from different manufacturers and especially if high S/C values are considered.
Exploring the Appeal of Product Design: A Grounded, Value‐Based Model of Key Design Elements and Relationships*
Authors: Noble Charles H. , Kumar Minu 
Published: July 2010

Product design is increasingly being recognized as an important source of sustainable competitive advantage. Until recently, the domain of design has been loosely categorized as “form and function” issues. However, as this paper will explore, product design deals with a much richer range of issues, many of which have not been considered in the marketing literature. To explore the domain and elements of design, the paper begins with two major goals: (1) to elicit the key dimensions of design and to develop an enriched language for the understanding and study of design; and (2) to integrate the design dimensions within a broader model that ties initial design goals to eventual psychological and behavioral responses from consumers. To achieve these ends, grounded theory development is used by conducting an extensive literature review, in‐depth interviews, and an interactive object elicitation technique. Drawing from this rich source of qualitative information as well as diverse literature fields, a framework is proposed for the creation of design value in consumer products. This framework not only explores the domain of design but also highlights the important elements of design that go well beyond the clichéd form and function issues. The resulting model reflects specific marketplace and organizational constraints that may help or impede the conversion of designer goals to so‐called design levers. These levers are used to convey three types of values to consumers: rational, kinesthetic, and emotional. The framework then explains how and when these different values may be perceived by the consumer. Within this framework, testable research propositions and specific directions for future design‐based research are also offered. Beyond its potential to spur marketing and new product development (NPD) management thought, the framework offered here represents a significant contribution to the field of design, which has historically been represented as a highly fragmented body of knowledge. Formalizing this framework should help overcome perhaps the largest obstacle to date to marketing‐related and NPD‐related research in this area—the lack of a detailed and consistent nomological view of the scope of design dimensions including testable linkages. Design has become an important tool that can be used by managers to develop dominant brands with lasting advantages. This research lends the NPD manager and the marketing manager better insights in into how this increasingly popular focus can be used to influence consumer behavior and firm success.“Design may be our top unexploited competitive edge.” Tom Peters, 2004 (cover review of Norman, 2004)“We don't have a good language to talk about [design]. In most people's vocabularies, design means veneer.… But to me, nothing could be further from the meaning of design. Design is the fundamental soul of a man‐made creation.” Steve Jobs, Apple Computers
Anonymity, Stealth Trading, and the Information Content of Broker Identity
Authors: Frino Alex , Johnstone David , Zheng Hui 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThis paper examines whether the identity of a broker involved in transactions contains information. Using a sample of transactions from the Australian Stock Exchange—where broker identity is transparent—we provide evidence that consecutive buyer‐/seller‐initiated transactions by the same broker have a relatively high permanent price impact. This implies that broker identity conveys information to market participants, and that markets in which broker identity is disclosed are likely to be more efficient. We also find that medium‐sized trades by the same broker convey greater information than large and small trades, which is consistent with stealth trading by informed investors.
Preferenced Trading, Quote Competition, and Market Quality: Evidence from Decimalization on the NYSE
Authors: Huang Wei , Rhee S. Ghon , Tang Ning 
Published: July 2010

AbstractWe examine the impact of decimalization on preferenced trading in NYSE‐listed stocks and show a significant decline in preferenced trading around decimalization. For the largest NYSE stocks, the total decline is nearly 22%. We also find a negative correlation between the changes in preferenced trading and the changes in quote competition intensity, and a positive correlation between the changes in preferenced trading and the changes in spreads. Consistent with the cream skimming hypothesis, we find that abnormal changes in information asymmetry cost for NYSE trades are positively correlated with the changes in preferenced trading.
Risk Changes around Calls of Convertible Bonds
Authors: García‐Feijóo Luis , Beyer Scott , Johnson Robert R. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractWe examine changes in equity and asset betas around convertible bond calls and report two major findings. First, calling firms exhibit an increase in asset betas following the call. We argue that the finding is consistent with the implications of the sequential financing theory but not of the backdoor equity financing theory. Second, abnormal returns at call announcements are negative only for the subsample of firms that also exhibit an increase in equity beta. We conclude that risk changes help explain the market reaction to convertible bond calls.
Industry Structure and Corporate Debt Maturity
Authors: Erhemjamts Otgontsetseg , Raman Kartik , Shahrur Husayn 
Published: July 2010

AbstractWe examine how industry competition affects firms’ choice of short‐term debt. We find that the percentage of short‐term debt is positively related to industry concentration at low levels of concentration, and inversely related to industry concentration at higher levels of concentration. This nonlinear relation is stronger in industries where firms are either more homogeneous or compete more aggressively. Moreover, we find that firms with shorter‐maturity debt are less aggressive than their rivals in the product market. The overall evidence suggests that although financial contracts alleviate agency problems, they exacerbate the risk of predation.
Information Transfer Effects of Bond Rating Downgrades
Authors: Jorion Philippe , Zhang Gaiyan 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThis paper investigates information transfer effects of bond rating downgrades measured by equity abnormal returns for industry portfolios. Industry rivals can be subject to two opposing effects, the contagion effect and the competition effect. We find that the net effect is strongly dependent on the original bond rating of the downgraded firm. For investment‐grade (speculative‐grade) firms, industry abnormal equity returns are negative (positive), which implies a predominant contagion (competition) effect. The analysis reveals a rich pattern of positive and negative correlations across negative credit events, which can be used to improve our understanding of portfolio credit risk models.
Treasury Bond Volatility and Uncertainty about Monetary Policy
Authors: Arnold Ivo J. M. , Vrugt Evert B. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractWe show that dispersion‐based uncertainty about the future course of monetary policy is the single most important determinant of Treasury bond volatility across all maturities. The link between Treasury bond volatility and uncertainty about macroeconomic variables is much stronger than for the more traditional time series measures of macroeconomic volatility and adds beyond the information contained in lagged bond market volatility. Uncertainty about monetary policy subsumes the uncertainty about future inflation (consumer price index and the deflator) and economic activity (unemployment, real and nominal gross domestic product and industrial production). In addition, causality clearly runs one way: from monetary policy uncertainty to Treasury bond volatility.
Partial Price Adjustments and Equity Carve‐Outs
Authors: Thompson Thomas H. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractWe examine the extent to which market‐adjusted ex date returns reflect public information for 271 equity carve‐outs in 1988–2006. Although prior studies focus on ex post determinants of equity carve‐out and initial public offering returns, our study is the first to explore ex ante predictors of equity carve‐out returns. We use three primary variables: filing range adjustments, the percentage of the offering used to retire subsidiary debt or to pay dividends, and the CBOE Volatility Index (VXO) to predict initial returns. We show that 11–35% of the variation in market‐adjusted equity carve‐out returns can be predicted using public information known prior to the offer date.
Price Movers on the Stock Exchange of Thailand: Evidence from a Fully Automated Order‐Driven Market
Authors: Charoenwong Charlie , Ding David K. , Jenwittayaroje Nattawut 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThis study examines which trade sizes move stock prices on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), a pure limit order market, over two distinct market conditions of bull and bear. Using intraday data, the study finds that large‐sized trades (i.e., those larger than the 75th percentile) account for a disproportionately large impact on changes in traded and quoted prices. The finding remains even after it has been subjected to a battery of robustness checks. In contrast, the results of studies conducted in the United States show that informed traders employ trade sizes falling between the 40th and 95th percentiles (Barclay and Warner, 1993; Chakravarty, 2001). Our results support the hypothesis that informed traders in a pure limit order market, such as the SET, where there are no market makers, also use larger‐size trades than those employed by informed traders in the United States.