bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stock prices and the flow of information in the Athens Stock Exchange
Authors: Phylaktis Kate , Kavussanos Manolis G , Manalis Gikas 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe paper investigates the dynamics of price changes and information flow to the market in the Athens Stock Exchange in Greece using daily data over the period 1988 to 1993. A generalised autoregressive conditional heteroskedastic (GARCH) model in stock returns is shown to reflect time dependence in the process generating information flow to the market. Using daily trading volume or value as proxies for information flow, we find them to be significant in explaining the variance of daily returns and to reduce GARCH effects substantially. This has implications for the informational efficiency of the market.
Eva®*: An integrated financial management system**
Authors: Stern Joel M. , Stewart G. Bennett , Chew Donald H. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBoth the rise of hostile takeovers and the phenomenal success of LBOs in the 1980s can be explained in part as capital market responses to the shortcomings of the top‐down, EPS‐based model of financial management that has long dominated corporate America. the EVA financial management system, which presents the 1990s most serious challenge to the dominance of the EPS model, borrows important aspects from the LBO movement, particularly its focus on capital efficiency and ownership incentives. Unlike the LBO movement, however, the EVA system accomplishes such goals without the high leverage and concentration of risk that limit LBOs to the mature sector of the US economy.
Using futures contracts for corporate hedging: The problem of expiry and a possible solution
Authors: Neuberger Anthony 
Published: October 2006

AbstractCompanies using futures contracts for hedging purposes need to roll over their contracts if the maturity of their exposure exceeds that of the futures contracts. This entails basis risk that can reduce significantly the effectiveness of the hedge. In this paper an alternative form of futures contract is proposed. the contract never expires and can be used for long‐term hedging without the need for rolling‐over into a new contract. the contract is shown to be equivalent to a portfolio of conventional futures contracts of differing maturities. Its price is determined by arbitrage against the underlying asset.
Testing the bivariate mixture hypothesis using German Stock market data
Authors: Jung Robert C. , Liesenfeld Roman 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAccording to the bivariate mixture hypothesis (BMH) as proposed by Tauchen and Pitts (1983) and Harris (1986, 1987) the daily price changes and the corresponding trading volume on speculative markets follow a joint mixture of distributions with the unobservable number of daily information events serving as the mixing variable. Using German stock market data of 15 major companies the distributional properties of the BMH is tested employing maximum‐likelihood as well as generalised method of moments estimation techniques. In addition to providing a new approach for the pointwise estimation of the latent information arrival rate based on the maximum‐likelihood method, we investigate the time‐series properties of the BMH. the major results can be summarised as follows: (i) the distributional characteristics of the data (especially leptokurtosis and skewness in the distribution of price changes and volume respectively) cannot be explained satisfactorily by the BMH; univariate mixture models for price changes and trading volume separately reveal a possible specification error in the model; (ii) a univariate normal mixture model can account for the observed distributional characteristics of price changes; (iii) the estimated process of the latent information rate cannot fully explain the time‐series characteristics of the data (especially the volatility clustering or ARCH‐effects).
Integrating Information Technology into International Crisis Management and Policy
Authors: Comfort Louise K. 
Published: October 2006

Decision processes in disaster environments pose a special challenge to rational problem solving. The urgency, complexity and uncertainty of disaster environments test the limits of human capacity for seeking, processing and disseminating information to support coordinated action. Current information technology offers a means of extending human problem solving capacity through an interactive, intelligent, spatial information system, if it is supported by a parallel organizational system designed to facilitate coordinated action.A preliminary model of organizational problem solving is proposed, focusing on the global problem of seismic risk. The model relies on the function of information technology to reduce uncertainty by increasing the timeliness and accuracy of information to disaster managers, thereby improving coordination in organizational performance. The model links information technology to organizational structure in ways that create feedback channels, improve organizational learning and increase capacity to correct organizational mistakes. The model is presented in terms of structuring technical and organizational conditions to support improved capacity for organizational problem solving in communities vulnerable to seismic risk. Illustrative data from a series of seven earthquake disasters demonstrate an evolving receptiveness to the integration of information technology into international crisis policy and practice.
The Future for Risk Research1
Authors: Turner Barry A. 
Published: October 2006

Public interest in issues of safety and risk is growing in intensity, legislation in the health and safety area is becoming more extensive and expectations about how managers should perform when confronting a variety of different risks are rising. All of these developments serve to give more contemporary prominence to the notion of risk; a prominence which brings several difficulties in its train. Unsurprisingly, the term has developed political and cultural overtones, for the more widely studied it becomes, the more highly is it contested.This article reviews a number of current concerns about risk and considers their implications for risk research and for some future aspects of risk management. Ideas about risk are first set in context by relating them, in a very general fashion, to other ways of looking to the future. A number of ironies of the contemporary enthusiasm for risk are noted and three contemporary cases of risk management are discussed. Finally, some implications of current developments for managers concerned with risk are briefly reviewed and some future areas for research are identified.
Studies in Urban Crises: Problems of Response and Prevention
Authors: Basu Anuradha 
Published: October 2006

Power, Poverty and Poison: Disaster and Response in an Indian City, James Manor, Sage Publications, New Delhi (1993), 197 pp. Bhopal: Anatomy of a Crisis (second edition), Paul Shrivastava, Paul Chapman, London (1992), 169 pp.
Tailored Precision Armies in Fully Networked Battlespace: High Reliability Organizational Dilemmas in the ‘Information Age’
Authors: Demchak Chris C. 
Published: October 2006

A vision of information age technology providing the ability to closely manage environmental uncertainties pervades current changes in Western militaries. The goal is to digitally link every weapon system in battlespace to effect real‐time synchronization and response and just‐in‐time logistics and supply. Such optimism ignores organizational implications as well as the uncertainties of battlefield conditions. To be effective, the envisioned precision army will require levels of environmental and organizational certainty unprecedented in either military or civilian history. Fast, reliable, invulnerable resource linkages, the ability to minimize casualty loss and innovative episodic behaviours in response to inherently unpredictable ground conditions will all be essential. Success will depend on the extent to which military organizations succeed in reproducing the conditions and/or emulating the characteristics of high reliability organizations.This reproduction or emulation, however, is particularly difficult to achieve given the uncertainties of large scale, non‐repetitive activities under hostile terrain‐dependent conditions typical of the ground battlefield. Over time, such forces will lack the slack necessary to survive in battle. Rather than the emergence of a more effective and reliable organization, the more likely outcomes are avoidance of risky operations and an ineffective mimetic isomorphism of the air forces on which the ground forces will increasingly depend.The primary object of organization is to shield people from unexpected calls upon their powers of adaptability, judgment and decision (Hamilton, 1921:62)
Biphasic alterations in Serotonin‐1B (5‐HT1B) receptor function during abstinence from extended cocaine self‐administration
Authors: O'Dell Laura E. , Manzardo Ann M. , Polis Ilham , Stouffer David G. , Parsons Loren H. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAlterations in 5‐HT1Breceptor function during cocaine abstinence were evaluated in rats given either limited‐ or extended access (LA and EA, respectively) to cocaine self‐administration. The locomotor response to the 5‐HT1B/1Aagonist RU24969 was significantly reduced in cocaine‐experienced animals relative to cocaine‐naïve controls following 6 h of abstinence but became sensitized over the subsequent 14 days of abstinence. Both the early phase subsensitivity and later phase supersensivity to RU 24969‐induced activity were greater in EA versus LA animals. Intra‐nucleus accumbens administration of the 5‐HT1Bagonist CP 93, 129 produced significantly greater increases in dialysate dopamine levels in EA versus control animals following 14 days of abstinence. However, there was no difference between EA and cocaine‐naïve control animals in the augmentation of cocaine‐induced increases in nucleus accumbens DA produced by intra‐VTA CP 93, 129. Collectively these findings demonstrate that 5‐HT1Breceptor function is persistently altered by cocaine self‐administration.
Mediation of adenylyl cyclase sensitization by PTX‐insensitive GαoA, Gαi1, Gαi2or Gαi3
Authors: Clark Mary J. , Traynor John R. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractChronic activation of mu‐opioid receptors, which couple to pertussis toxin‐sensitive Gαi/oproteins to inhibit adenylyl cyclase (AC), leads to a compensatory sensitization of AC. Pertussis toxin‐insensitive mutations of Gαi/osubtypes, in which the pertussis toxin‐sensitive cysteine is mutated to isoleucine (G), were used to determine whether each of the Gαi/osubtypes is able to mediate sensitization of AC. G, G, Gor Gwere individually transiently transfected into C6 glioma cells stably expressing the mu‐opioid receptor, or transiently co‐expressed with the mu‐opioid receptor into human embryonic kidney (HEK)293T cells. Cells were treated with pertussis toxin to uncouple endogenous Gαi/oproteins, followed by acute or chronic treatment with the mu‐opioid agonist, [D‐Ala2,N‐Me‐Phe4,Gly5‐ol]enkephalin (DAMGO). Each Gαi/osubtype mediated acute DAMGO inhibition of AC and DAMGO‐induced sensitization of AC. The potency for DAMGO to stimulate sensitization was independent of the Gαi/osubtype, but the level of sensitization was increased in clones expressing higher levels of Gαi/osubunits. Sensitization of AC mediated by a component of fetal bovine serum, which was also dependent on the level of functional Gαi/osubunits in the cell, was observed. This serum‐mediated sensitization partially masked mu‐opioid‐mediated sensitization when expressed as percentage overshoot due to an apparent increase in AC activity.
Environmental enrichment stimulates neurogenesis in apolipoprotein E3 and neuronal apoptosis in apolipoprotein E4 transgenic mice
Authors: Levi Ofir , Michaelson Daniel M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractNeurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with the activation of neurogenesis. The mechanisms underlying this crosstalk between neuronal death and birth and the extent to which it is affected by genetic risk factors of AD are not known. We employed transgenic mice expressing human apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4), the most prevalent genetic risk factor for AD, or expressing human apoE3 (an AD‐benign allele), in order to examine the hypothesis that apoE4 tilts the balance between neurogenesis and neuronal cell death in favor of the latter. The results showed an isoform‐specific increase in neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) under standard conditions in apoE4‐transgenic mice. Environmental stimulation, which increases neurogenesis in the DG of apoE3‐transgenic and wild‐type mice, had the opposite effect on the apoE4 mice, where it triggered apoptosis while decreasing hippocampal neurogenesis. These effects were specific to the DG and were not observed in the subventricular zone, where neurogenesis was unaffected by either the apoE genotype or the environmental conditions. These in vivo findings demonstrate a linkage between neuronal apoptosis and the impaired neuronal plasticity and cognition of apoE4‐transgenic mice, and suggest that similar interactions between apoE4 and environmental factors might occur in AD.
Taxonomic distinctness and diversity of a hyperseasonal savanna in central Brazil
Authors: Da Silva Igor Aurélio , Batalha Marco Antônio 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTSavannas are characterized by a sharp seasonality, in which the water shortage defines the community functioning. Hyperseasonal savannas, however, experience additionally waterlogging in the rainy season. Since waterlogging may cause local extinctions of intolerant species, we asked whether waterlogging constricts the phylogenetic structure of a hyperseasonal savanna. We studied a hyperseasonal cerrado, comparing it with a nearby seasonal cerrado, never waterlogged, in Emas National Park, central Brazil. In each vegetation form, we sampled all vascular plants by placing fifty 1‐m2quadrats in five surveys. We compared the phylogenetic structure of both vegetation forms, calculating their taxonomic distinctness, taxonomic diversity, expected taxonomic distinctness, and species, genus, and family similarities. The taxonomic distinctness of both cerrados was similar and the values of similarities were high, but taxonomic diversity and expected taxonomic distinctness were lower in the hyperseasonal cerrado than in the seasonal one. Assuming that phenotypic attraction is the major process organizing local communities, the waterlogging in hyperseasonal cerrado assembles phylogenetically unrelated species that have converged on similar habitat use. As a consequence, the habitat use of hyperseasonal cerrado species is a trait widespread in the phylogeny of seasonal cerrado. Waterlogging constrains the phylogenetic structure of the hyperseasonal cerrado, especially by reducing species diversity. In more ecological terms, we can only fully assess the phylogenetic structure of a community if we consider the species abundance.
Potential spread of introduced black rat (Rattus rattus) parasites to endemic deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) on the California Channel Islands
Authors: Smith Katherine F. , Carpenter Shannon M. 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTIntroduced species have the potential to outperform natives in two primary ways: via increased rates of predation and competition, and via the introduction of new parasites against which native species often lack effective immune defences. To assess the extent to which invasive species’ parasites spread to native hosts, we compared the composition of helminth parasites found in introduced black rat (Rattus rattus) and endemic deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) populations on a subset of the California Channel Islands. Results suggest that the whipworm, Trichuris muris, may have spread from introduced black rats to endemic island deer mice and has continued to thrive in one island population where rats were recently eradicated. These results yield two important conservation messages: (1) although the parasites introduced with invasive species may be few, they should not be ignored as they can spread to native species, and (2) introduced parasites have the potential to remain in a system even after their founding host is extirpated. These findings underscore the importance of parasitological surveys in invasive species research and baseline data for ecosystems where exotic species are likely to invade.
Does GARP really fail miserably? A response to Stockmanet al. (2006)
Authors: McNyset Kristina M. , Blackburn Jason K. 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTStockmanet al. (2006) found that ecological niche models built using DesktopGARP ‘failed miserably’ to predict trapdoor spider (genusPromyrmekiaphila) distributions in California. This apparent failure of GARP (Genetic Algorithm for Rule‐Set Production) was actually a failure of the authors’ methods, that is, attempting to build ecological niche models using single data points. In this paper, we present a re‐analysis of their original data using standard methods with the data appropriately partitioned into training/testing subsets. This re‐evaluation generated accurate distributional predictions that we contrast with theirs. We address the consequences of model‐building using single data points and the need for a foundational understanding of the principles of ecological niche modelling.
Predicting the distribution of non‐vagile taxa: a response to McNyset and Blackburn (2006) and re‐evaluation of Stockman et al. (2006)
Authors: Stockman Amy K. , Beamer David A. , Bond Jason E. 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTThis paper addresses the issues raised by McNyset and Blackburn (2006) in their response to Stockman et al. (2006). Re‐evaluation of our published GARP analyses by McNyset and Blackburn showed that a much improved ecological niche model is obtained for predicting the distribution of the trapdoor spider genus Promyrmekiaphila in central/northern California. The improved niche model results in a substantially reduced omission error rate and a predictive model comparable to models obtained using other methods (GLM and BIOCLIM). However, the improved GARP models have a high commission error rate (> 0.75); consequently, the inferences regarding difficulties in modelling non‐vagile taxa drawn by Stockman et al. remain valid. Finally, we discuss other relatively minor criticisms of our study raised by McNyset and Blackburn and issues related to the peer review of our original paper.
Leukoreduction of blood transfusions does not diminish transfusion‐associated microchimerism in trauma patients
Authors: Utter Garth H. , Nathens Avery B. , Lee Tzong‐Hae , Reed William F. , Owings John T. , Nester Theresa A. , Busch Michael P. 
Published: October 2006

BACKGROUND: Transfusion of trauma patients can result in long‐term survival of donor white blood cells (WBCs) or “transfusion‐associated microchimerism” (TA‐MC). The aim was to determine whether leukoreduction of blood transfusions, advocated to reduce the immunomodulatory effect of transfusion, decreases the likelihood of developing TA‐MC.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A subgroup of trauma patients from a randomized trial was examined, evaluating the risk of infection following leukoreduced versus nonleukoreduced blood transfusion. Patients’ blood was sampled at least 1 month after hospital discharge, and TA‐MC was assessed with quantitative allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction detection of differences at the HLA‐DR locus or a panel of insertion‐deletion polymorphism loci distributed throughout the chromosomal complement. At the time of blood sampling, a scripted interview was used to ascertain symptoms suggestive of chronic graft‐versus host disease (cGVHD).RESULTS: For 67 patients evaluated, the mean age was 43 ± 17 years and mean Injury Severity Score was 24 ± 12. Median time from injury to blood sampling for TA‐MC was 240 (interquartile range, 116‐360) days. Nine of 32 patients (28%) in the nonleukoreduced transfusion group developed TA‐MC compared to 13 of 35 patients (37%) in the leukoreduced group (p = 0.43). Subjects with TA‐MC were no more likely than subjects without TA‐MC to have at least one symptom suggestive of cGVHD (64% vs. 76%, respectively).CONCLUSIONS: TA‐MC seems to be a prevalent condition among injured patients at the second of two regional trauma centers evaluated, suggesting that it is a common phenomenon after transfusion in the setting of injury. Although leukoreduction removes greater than 99.9 percent of donor WBCs, it fails to prevent or even substantially reduce the likelihood of developing TA‐MC. TA‐MC does not appear to be strongly associated with symptoms suggestive of cGVHD several months after transfusion.
Primary and secondary hemostatic functionalities of rehydrated, lyophilized platelets
Authors: Fischer Thomas H. , Bode Arthur P. , Parker Benjamin R. , Russell Karen E. , Bender Diane E. , Ramer J. Kevin , Read Marjorie S. 
Published: October 2006

BACKGROUND: The rehydrated, lyophilized (RL) platelet (PLT) is being developed as a hemostatic infusion agent for the control of active bleeding. The key to the method for preparing RL PLTs is a mild aldehyde stabilization that allows for freezing and lyophilizing without cellular rupture. RL PLTs have been shown to be effective at rapidly controlling bleeding in animal models of cardiopulmonary bypass induced PLT dysfunction and washout thrombocytopenia, yet the rehydrated cells have proved to be safe with respect to induction of pathologic intravascular coagulation.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In vitro and in vivo studies were performed to better understand the differential effect of the RL PLT manufacturing method on primary and secondary hemostatic processes. The functionality of the von Willebrand factor (VWF) receptor (glycoprotein Ib) complex, the PAR receptors, integrin‐mediated aggregation (inside‐out signaling), and surface membrane prothrombin to thrombin conversion systems were investigated.RESULTS: RL PLTs were found to retain native VWF‐mediated adhesion and surface thrombin generation functions. In contrast, the coupling of thrombin receptors to integrin inside‐out signaling was largely inhibited.CONCLUSION: These results suggest that RL PLTs may stop bleeding by forming primary hemostatic plugs and providing a localized source of thrombin for secondary hemostatic processes, yet do not build up occlusive pathologic clots possibly because integrin functions for forming PLT‐PLT aggregates are partially inhibited.