bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Behavioral Biases Affect Prices?
Authors: COVAL JOSHUA D. , SHUMWAY TYLER
Published: January 2005

This paper documents strong evidence for behavioral biases among Chicago Board of Trade proprietary traders and investigates the effect these biases have on prices. Our traders appear highly loss‐averse, regularly assuming above‐average afternoon risk to recover from morning losses. This behavior has important short‐term consequences for afternoon prices, as losing traders actively purchase contracts at higher prices and sell contracts at lower prices than those that prevailed previously. However, the market appears to distinguish these risk‐seeking trades from informed trading. Prices set by loss‐averse traders are reversed significantly more quickly than those set by unbiased traders.
The Value Premium
Authors: ZHANG LU
Published: January 2005

The value anomaly arises naturally in the neoclassical framework with rational expectations. Costly reversibility and countercyclical price of risk cause assets in place to be harder to reduce, and hence are riskier than growth options especially in bad times when the price of risk is high. By linking risk and expected returns to economic primitives, such as tastes and technology, my model generates many empirical regularities in the cross‐section of returns; it also yields an array of new refutable hypotheses providing fresh directions for future empirical research.
Asset Sales, Investment Opportunities, and the Use of Proceeds
Authors: BATES THOMAS W.
Published: January 2005

This study examines the allocation of cash proceeds following 400 subsidiary sales between 1990 and 1998. Retention probabilities are increasing in the divesting firm's contemporaneous growth opportunities and expected investment. Retaining firms, however, also systematically overinvest relative to an industry benchmark. Shareholder returns to retention decisions are positively correlated with growth opportunities and benchmarked investment, but negatively correlated with benchmarked investment for firms with poor growth opportunities. Shareholder returns to debt distributions are increasing in industry‐benchmarked leverage. Overall, the results of this study cohere with the hypothesized trade‐off between the investment efficiencies associated with retained proceeds and the agency costs of managerial discretion and debt.
Financial and Legal Constraints to Growth: Does Firm Size Matter?
Authors: BECK THORSTEN , DEMIRGÜÇ‐KUNT ASLI , MAKSIMOVIC VOJISLAV
Published: January 2005

Using a unique firm‐level survey database covering 54 countries, we investigate the effect of financial, legal, and corruption problems on firms' growth rates. Whether these factors constrain growth depends on firm size. It is consistently the smallest firms that are most constrained. Financial and institutional development weakens the constraining effects of financial, legal, and corruption obstacles and it is again the small firms that benefit the most. There is only a weak relation between firms' perception of the quality of the courts in their country and firm growth. We also provide evidence that the corruption of bank officials constrains firm growth.
Local Does as Local Is: Information Content of the Geography of Individual Investors' Common Stock Investments
Authors: IVKOVIĆ ZORAN , WEISBENNER SCOTT
Published: January 2005

Using data on the investments a large number of individual investors made through a discount broker from 1991 to 1996, we find that households exhibit a strong preference for local investments. We test whether this locality bias stems from information or from simple familiarity. The average household generates an additional annualized return of 3.2% from its local holdings relative to its nonlocal holdings, suggesting that local investors can exploit local knowledge. Excess returns to investing locally are even larger among stocks not in the S&P 500 index (firms for which information asymmetries between local and nonlocal investors may be largest).
Financial Analyst Characteristics and Herding Behavior in Forecasting
Authors: CLEMENT MICHAEL B. , TSE SENYO Y.
Published: January 2005

This study classifies analysts' earnings forecasts as herding or bold and finds that (1) boldness likelihood increases with the analyst's prior accuracy, brokerage size, and experience and declines with the number of industries the analyst follows, consistent with theory linking boldness with career concerns and ability; (2) bold forecasts are more accurate than herding forecasts; and (3) herding forecast revisions are more strongly associated with analysts' earnings forecast errors (actual earnings—forecast) than are bold forecast revisions. Thus, bold forecasts incorporate analysts' private information more completely and provide more relevant information to investors than herding forecasts.
Trading Volume, Information Asymmetry, and Timing Information
Authors: CHAE JOON
Published: January 2005

This paper investigates trading volume before scheduled and unscheduled corporate announcements to explore how traders respond to private information. I show that cumulative trading volume decreases inversely to information asymmetry prior to scheduled announcements, while the opposite relation holds for volume after the announcement. In contrast, trading volume before unscheduled announcements increases dramatically and shows little relation to proxies for information asymmetry. I investigate the behavior of market makers and find that they act appropriately by increasing price sensitivity before all announcements, implying that they extract timing information from their order books.
The Role of IPO Underwriting Syndicates: Pricing, Information Production, and Underwriter Competition
Authors: CORWIN SHANE A. , SCHULTZ PAUL
Published: January 2005

We examine syndicates for 1,638 IPOs from January 1997 through June 2002. We find strong evidence of information production by syndicate members. Offer prices are more likely to be revised in response to information when the syndicate has more underwriters and especially more co‐managers. More co‐managers also result in more analyst coverage and additional market makers following the IPO. Relationships between underwriters are critical in determining the composition of syndicates, perhaps because they mitigate free‐riding and moral hazard problems. While there appear to be benefits to larger syndicates, we discuss several factors that may limit syndicate size.
IPO Pricing in “Hot” Market Conditions: Who Leaves Money on the Table?
Authors: DERRIEN FRANҪOIS
Published: January 2005

This paper explores the impact of investor sentiment on IPO pricing. Using a model in which the aftermarket price of IPO shares depends on the information about the intrinsic value of the company and investor sentiment, I show that IPOs can be overpriced and still exhibit positive initial return. A sample of recent French offerings with a fraction of the shares reserved for individual investors supports the predictions of the model. Individual investors' demand is positively related to market conditions. Moreover, large individual investors' demand leads to high IPO prices, large initial returns, and poor long‐run performance.
Human placental lipid induces melanogenesis by increasing the expression of tyrosinase and its related proteins in vitro
Authors: Mallick Shampa , Singh Suman Kumar , Sarkar Chinmoy , Saha Bidisha , Bhadra Ranjan
Published: January 2005

Lipids, particularly sphingolipids, are emerging as novel regulators of cellular activity. A placental total lipid fraction (PTLF), the total lipid prepared from an hydroalcoholic extract of fresh term human placenta, was previously shown to have a pigment‐inducing activity in an animal model. The PTLF contains sphingolipids which stimulate DNA synthesis and melanin formation with marked morphological changes in B16F10 melanoma cells. In order to identify the mechanism underlying the increased melanin synthesis, B16F10 cells were treated with PTLF to assess the catalytic activities of tyrosinase (i.e. tyrosine hydroxylase and DOPA oxidase), the key regulatory enzyme of melanin synthesis. Tyrosine hydroxylase (estimated by the release of 3H2O) as well as DOPA oxidase (measured spectrophotometrically and also in non‐denaturing gels), was stimulated significantly by PTLF. Western blot analysis demonstrated an increase in the expression of tyrosinase, tyrosinase related proteins 1 and 2 (TRP1 and TRP2) at the protein level and RT‐PCR analysis revealed stimulated transcription of tyrosinase, TRP1 and TRP2 mRNAs in PTLF‐treated B16F10 cells. Actinomycin D and cycloheximide, inhibitors of transcription and translation, respectively, inhibited PTLF‐induction of tyrosinase activity with a corresponding decrease in melanogenesis. In all cases, the response to PTLF was similar to that induced by α‐melanocyte stimulating hormone, a well‐known stimulator of melanogenesis. Thus, these results provide the basis of action of PTLF stimulated melanogenesis in B16F10 cells showing that this placental extract is a strong inducer of pigmentation at the transcriptional and translational levels.
Widespread expression of the bovine Agouti gene results from at least three alternative promoters
Authors: Girardot Michael , Martin Juliette , Guibert Sylvain , Leveziel Hubert , Julien Raymond , Oulmouden Ahmad
Published: January 2005

In wild‐type mice, it is well known that Agouti is only expressed in skin where it controls the banded‐hair phenotype. As a first step to investigate the physiological role of Agouti in cattle, we isolated the corresponding gene and studied its expression pattern. We found no evidence of coding‐region sequence variation within and between eight breeds representing a large panel of coat colour phenotypes. We detected by northern hybridization two Agouti mRNA isoforms in brain, heart, lung, liver, kidney, spleen and a third in skin. We characterized the full‐length Agouti transcript in skin and isolated the 5′UTR of two mRNAs expressed in the other tissues. The three mRNAs have the same coding region but differ by their 5′ untranslated regions. Upstream regulatory sequences display two alternative promoters involved with the broad expression in tissues other than skin. Interestingly, these sequences are highly homologous to upstream sequences of the orthologous human (76–85% identity) and pig (82–86% identity) ASIP genes. In addition to its potential role in pigmentation (as seen in mice), we suggest that bovine Agouti could be involved in various physiological functions. Furthermore, the significant homology between cattle, pig and human regulatory sequences indicate that these orthologous genes are regulated alike. Lastly, since the 5′UTR of many eukaryotic mRNAs are physiologically relevant, their impact on bovine Agouti mRNA performance is discussed.
Decreased expression of Apaf‐1 with progression of melanoma
Authors: Mustika Rita , Budiyanto Arief , Nishigori Chikako , Ichihashi Masamitsu , Ueda Masato
Published: January 2005

Defects in apoptotic system may contribute in the pathogenesis and resistance of malignant melanoma cells to chemotherapy. Apoptotic protease‐activating factor‐1 (Apaf‐1) is a cell death effector that acts with cytochrome c and caspase‐9 to mediate apoptosis. Recently it was shown that metastatic melanomas often lose Apaf‐1 and are concomitantly resistant to apoptosis. It is not known, however, whether Apaf‐1 protein is lost during melanoma progression from localized to metastatic tumor. To this end, we evaluated Apaf‐1 protein expression by immunohistochemistry in 10 cases of human nevi, 11 melanomas in situ, 26 primary melanomas and 15 metastases. Significant decreases in Apaf‐1 expression was observed when comparing nevi and melanomas (chi‐square = 33.719; P < 0.0001). Moreover, primary melanomas with greater tumor thickness showed lesser expression of Apaf‐1 (chi‐square = 16.182; P < 0.003). Intriguingly, we were unable to detect Apaf‐1 expression in lesions of metastatic melanomas. These data demonstrated that there is an inverse correlation between Apaf‐1 expression and pathologic stage of melanoma. This suggests that the decreased expression of Apaf‐1 seen in correlation with melanoma progression renders melanoma more resistant to chemotherapy.
Mouth metastasis of peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor
Authors: Pereira CM , De Abreu Alves F , Corrêa MEP , Lima CSP , De Almeida OP
Published: January 2005

We describe a case of oral metastasis of peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (pPNET) in a 68‐year‐old man, who presented the primary lesion in the chest. Oral metastasis of pPNETs is very rare and we have not found any similar case reported in the English literature. Clinical examination showed an extensive and ulcerated fleshy mass measuring 3.0 × 3.5 cm in the right lower gingivae. Microscopic examination showed sheets of proliferating small, hyperchromatic, round cells. Tumor cells were reactive to neuron‐specific enolase (NSE), vimentin and MIC‐2 gene by immunohistochemistry, consistent with PNET. The patient died 3 weeks later because of respiratory insufficiency.
Osteopetrosis – a review and report of two cases
Authors: Filho AM , de Castro Domingos A , de Freitas DQ , Whaites EJ
Published: January 2005

We present a brief review of the rare condition of osteopetrosis together with two case reports of this disease in the same family affecting the jaws. The first in a 41‐year‐old woman, and the second in her 39‐year‐old brother. Plain films and computed tomography showed marked sclerosis of the affected bones with obliteration of the medullary cavities and thickening of the cortices as well as multiple absent and unerupted teeth. In addition radiographs showed discrete mixed radiopaque/radiolucent areas consistent with the appearance of fibro‐cemento‐osseous dysplasia, but which may also represent part of the overall spectrum of bone changes in osteopetrosis.
Outcome following treatment for Helicobacter pylori in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: Albanidou‐Farmaki E , Giannoulis L , Markopoulos A , Fotiades S , Aggouridaki X , Farmakis K , Papanayotou P
Published: January 2005

Objective:  The aim of the current study was to investigate any association of Helicobacter Pylori (HP) in recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) and the effect of eradication of the microorganism in the clinical course of the disease.

Study design:  Forty‐eight patients with RAS were included in the study. Twenty‐six were women and 22 men, of average age 41.3 ± 2.44. Thirty‐four out of these 48 patients were HP positive and the rest 14 who were negative were used as a control group. The diagnosis of HP infection was based on the detection of specific immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglubulin A (IgA) antibodies using the enzyme‐linked immunoabsorbent assay technique in the serum and the saliva of the patients. In all HP carriers an eradication therapy was administered. After a 2‐month period the patients were checked for HP status, using 13 C‐UBT. The follow up period was 6–12 months following the eradication therapy.

Results:  At entry patients with HP infection suffered from more severe symptoms compared with HP negative patients (P < 0.05). After the administration of HP eradication therapy, patients who had become negative showed a remarkable improvement (62.5%) with reference to recurrence of RAS as well as to symptom intensity. In 29.2% of patients symptoms had disappeared and in 33.3% of patients there was a decrease in both the frequency of recurrence and the intensity of symptoms. After the eradication treatment, the periods between recurrence of RAS in patients who had become negative were statistically significantly longer compared with those before treatment (P < 0.001). Another important observation was that patients who became negative after eradication therapy were of comparable clinical status with those who were HP negative from the beginning of the study (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:  These findings support the concept of a potential association between RAS and HP.
Impact of modified acidic soft drinks on enamel erosion
Authors: Attin T , Weiss K , Becker K , Buchalla W , Wiegand A
Published: January 2005

Objective:  To evaluate the enamel erosive potential of modified acidic soft drinks under controlled conditions in an artificial mouth.

Materials and methods:  From each of 144 bovine incisors one enamel sample was prepared. Labial surfaces of the samples were ground flat, polished and covered with adhesive tape, leaving an exposed area. The samples were distributed among four (A–D) groups for treatment with A: Coca‐Cola, B: Sprite; C: Sprite light, D: orange juice. Either 1.0 mmol l−1 calcium (Ca) or a combination (comb.) of 0.5 mmol l−1 calcium plus 0.5 mmol l−1 phosphate plus 0.031 mmol l−1 fluoride was added to the beverages. Samples of each group were subdivided into three subgroups (‐original; ‐Ca and ‐comb.) for treatment with original and modified drinks. De‐ and remineralization cycles were based on a standard protocol described earlier. Surface loss of the specimens was determined using profilometry after test procedure.

Results:  In all subgroups, loss of enamel was observed. The enamel loss recorded for the samples rinsed with original Sprite and original orange juice was significantly higher compared with all other solutions (P = 0.001). Lowest enamel loss was recorded for the original Coca‐Cola group (P = 0.001). With the exception of Coca‐Cola, demineralization with the modified beverages led to significantly lower losses compared with the respective original solutions.

Conclusion:  Modification of the test soft drinks with low concentrations of calcium or a combination of calcium, phosphate and fluoride may exert a significant protective potential with respect to dental erosion.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 shedding in the oral cavity of seropositive patients
Authors: Da Silva LM , Guimarães ALS , Victória JMN , Gomes CC , Gomez RS
Published: January 2005

Objective:  Investigate the frequency of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) reactivation in the oral cavity of seropositive patients with previous history of recurrent herpes labialis (recrudescent group) compared with those without any history of recrudescent lesions (asymptomatic HSV‐1 infection). In addition, the relation between recrudescence and the presence of the virus in the saliva was assessed.

Materials and methods:  Fourteen individuals with previous history of herpes labialis (recrudescent group) and 11 HSV‐1 seropositive asymptomatic volunteers were included in the study. Swabs were performed periodically in all subjects and the presence of HSV‐1 DNA was identified by nested PCR.

Results:  All the 25 subjects enrolled in the study, revealed at least one positive swab for HSV‐1. The frequency of HSV‐1 positivity in the group with recrudescent herpes labialis was not statistically different from the other group. Ten subjects of the recrudescent group presented with herpes labialis at least once during the study.

Conclusions:  HSV‐1 shedding in the oral cavity occurs independently of herpes labialis recrudescence.
La Déclaration de Phuket sur la santé bucco‐dentaire et le VIH/SIDA, 2004 – Un engagement à agir
Authors: Johnson Newell W
Published: January 2005

The following declaration was agreed by all participants at the conclusion of the 5th World Workshop on Oral Health and Disease in AIDS. It is reproduced here to draw attention to the world's oral health scientists, and others, of the burden that oral disease causes to those who are HIV positive, and to the important role of the dental and allied oral health professions in caring for these individuals and in the research which will underpin improved understanding and care.
HELICAL COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC ANGIOGRAPHY OF CANINE PORTOSYSTEMIC SHUNTS
Authors: Zwingenberger Allison L. , Schwarz Tobias , Saunders H. Mark
Published: January 2005

Helical computed tomographic (CT) angiography was performed in 16 dogs with known or suspected portosystemic shunts. Fifteen portosystemic shunts were detected including five single intrahepatic shunts, five single extrahepatic shunts, and five multiple extrahepatic shunts. One dog had a normal CT examination. All diagnoses were confirmed by one or several alternate methods including ultrasound, surgery, necropsy, angiography, and liver biopsy. CT detected the origin of 13 of 15 portosystemic shunts and insertion of 13 of 15 shunts. Limitations included inability to resolve two vessels originating very close to each other, and identification of vessels that traveled parallel to the axial image plane. CT angiography is a promising, minimally invasive method of diagnosing a variety of portosystemic shunts in dogs.
THE EFFECTS OF PATIENT POSITIONING AND SLICE SELECTION ON CANINE ACETABULAR ANGLE ASSESSMENT WITH COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY
Authors: Wang Sandy I. , Mathews Kyle G. , Robertson Ian D. , Stebbins Marty , Trumpatori Brian J.
Published: January 2005

Acetabular angles (AAs) and dorsal acetabular rim angles acquired by computed tomographic (CT) imaging have been used to assess patient response to juvenile pubic symphysiodesis surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of patient positioning and slice selection on these angles, and an attempt was made to devise a repeatable method of measuring these angles that would eliminate positioning effects. We found significant variation in AAs with small differences in pelvic tilt and slice selection. Dorsal acetabular rim angles were not affected. As a result of positioning differences from one CT study to the next, every attempt should be made to standardize pelvic tilt, or eliminate its effect on AAs by standardizing gantry angle in relation to an anatomic landmark that will not change over time. The floor of the sacral vertebral canal may be a reasonable landmark for this purpose and deserves further study.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF BODY FAT IN BEAGLES
Authors: Ishioka Katsumi , Okumura Masahiro , Sagawa Mayumi , Nakadomo Fumio , Kimura Kazuhiro , Saito Masayuki
Published: January 2005

Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder in small animals. To establish a computed tomographic (CT) method for assessment of visceral and subcutaneous fat content in the dog, CT analysis was performed in normal and obese beagles. Fat area was measured by the level detection method at varied attenuation ranges and compared with body fat content estimated by the deuterium oxide dilution method. Fat area measured at L3 using the attenuation range of −135/−105 Hounsfield unit had the best correlation with body fat content (r=0.98). Regional fat distribution was almost the same between normal and obese dogs, with more fat accumulation at L1–S1 than T10–T13. Moreover, visceral and subcutaneous fat area could be estimated separately. This CT method may contribute to both the clinical diagnosis and the study of canine obesity, especially for studies in the relationship between body fat distribution and obesity‐associated diseases.
COMPARISON OF THE EFFECT OF LAPAROSCOPIC AND CONVENTIONAL PYLORIC SURGERY ON GASTRIC EMPTYING IN DOGS
Authors: Sánchez‐Margallo Francisco M. , Ezquerra‐Calvo Luis J. , Soria‐Gálvez Federico , Usón‐Gargallo Jesús
Published: January 2005

The effect of a laparoscopic approach and pyloric surgery on canine gastrointestinal activity, particularly gastric emptying time, is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of laparoscopic and conventional pyloric surgery, in Ramstedt pyloromyotomy and Heineke–Mikulicz pyloroplasty, on complete gastric emptying time in 20 clinically normal dogs. Dogs were divided into four groups of five animals: dogs with laparoscopic Ramstedt pyloromyotomy, conventional Ramstedt pyloromyotomy, or laparoscopic Heineke–Mikulicz pyloroplasty, and the conventional Heineke–Mikulicz pyloroplasty group. Gastric emptying time using barium sulfate mixed with dry kibble dog food was measured fluoroscopically before and 1 month after surgery. Gastric emptying of solids was significantly enhanced in the pyloroplasty groups in the postoperative period compared with preoperative emptying. Just as after conventional pyloromyotomy, gastric emptying time after laparoscopic pyloromyotomy was not statistically different as compared with preoperative values. This study indicates that the fluoroscopic test meal is a valuable tool for defining complete gastric emptying time in normal dogs. We conclude that pyloromyotomy was less effective in decreasing complete gastric emptying time than Heineke–Mikulicz pyloroplasty in normal dogs. The possibility of decreasing complete gastric emptying time by laparoscopic surgery suggests a potential clinical application for this technique in small animals.
Role of Tyr84 in controlling the reactivity of Cys34 of human albumin
Authors: Stewart Alan J. , Blindauer Claudia A. , Berezenko Stephen , Sleep Darrell , Tooth David , Sadler Peter J.
Published: January 2005

Cys34 in domain I of the three‐domain serum protein albumin is the binding site for a wide variety of biologically and clinically important small molecules, provides antioxidant activity, and constitutes the largest portion of free thiol in blood. Analysis of X‐ray structures of albumin reveals that the loop containing Tyr84 occurs in multiple conformations. In structures where the loop is well defined, there appears to be an H‐bond between the OH of Tyr84 and the sulfur of Cys34. We show that the reaction of 5,5′‐dithiobis(2‐nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) with Tyr84Phe mutant albumin is approximately four times faster than with the wild‐type protein between pH 6 and pH 8. In contrast, the His39Leu mutant reacts with DTNB more slowly than the wild‐type protein at pH < 8, but at a similar rate at pH 8. Above pH 8 there is a dramatic increase in reactivity for the Tyr84Phe mutant. We also report 1H NMR studies of disulfide interchange reactions with cysteine. The tethering of the two loops containing Tyr84 and Cys34 not only appears to control the redox potential and accessibility of Cys34, but also triggers the transmission of information about the state of Cys34 throughout domain I, and to the domainI/II interface.
Molecular identification and expression study of differentially regulated genes in the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas in response to pesticide exposure
Authors: Tanguy Arnaud , Boutet Isabelle , Laroche Jean , Moraga Dario
Published: January 2005

The effects of pesticide contamination on the metabolism of marine molluscs are poorly documented. We investigated the response of a marine bivalve, the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, using a suppression subtractive hybridization method to identify up‐ and down‐regulated genes after a 30‐day exposure period to herbicides (a cocktail of atrazine, diuron and isoproturon, and to the single herbicide glyphosate). A total of 137 unique differentially expressed gene sequences was identified, as well as their associated physiological process. The expression of 18 of these genes was analyzed by RT‐PCR under laboratory experimental conditions. The metabolic functions they are associated with include xenobiotic detoxification, energy production, immune system response and transcription. This study provides a preliminary basis for studying the response of marine bivalves to long‐term herbicide exposure in terms of regulated gene expression and characterizes new potential genetic markers of herbicide contamination.
Effect of gadolinium on the ryanodine receptor/sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release channel of skeletal muscle
Authors: Sárközi Sándor , Szegedi Csaba , Lukács Balázs , Ronjat Michel , Jóna István
Published: January 2005

The effect of gadolinium ions on the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium release channel/ryanodine receptor (RyR1) was studied using heavy SR (HSR) vesicles and RyR1 isolated from rabbit fast twitch muscle. In the [3H]ryanodine binding assay, 5 µm Gd3+ increased the Kd of the [3H]ryanodine binding of the vesicles from 33.8 nm to 45.6 nm while Bmax, referring to the binding capacity, was not affected significantly. In the presence of 18 nm[3H]ryanodine and 100 µm free Ca2+, Gd3+ inhibited the binding of the radiolabeled ryanodine with an apparent Kd value of 14.7 µm and a Hill coefficient of 3.17. In 45Ca2+ experiments the time constant of 45Ca2+ efflux from HSR vesicles increased from 90.9 (± 11.1) ms to 187.7 (± 24.9) ms in the presence of 20 µm gadolinium. In single channel experiments gadolinium inhibited the channel activity from both the cytoplasmic (cis) (IC50 = 5.65 ± 0.33 µm, nHill = 4.71) and the luminal (trans) side (IC50 = 5.47 ± 0.24 µm, nHill = 4.31). The degree of inhibition on the cis side didn't show calcium dependency in the 100 µm to 1 mm Ca2+ concentration range which indicates no competition with calcium on its regulatory binding sites. When Gd3+ was applied at the trans side, EGTA was present at the cis side to prevent the binding of Gd+3 to the cytoplasmic calcium binding regulatory sites of the RyR1 if Gd3+ accidentally passed through the channel. The inhibition of the channel did not show any voltage dependence, which would be the case if Gd3+ exerted its effect after getting to the cis side. Our results suggest the presence of inhibitory binding sites for Gd3+ on both sides of the RyR1 with similar Hill coefficients and IC50 values.
Co‐operative effect of the isoforms of type III antifreeze protein expressed in Notched‐fin eelpout, Zoarces elongatus Kner
Authors: Nishimiya Yoshiyuki , Sato Ryoko , Takamichi Manabu , Miura Ai , Tsuda Sakae
Published: January 2005

We found that Notched‐fin eelpout, which lives off the north east coast of Japan, expresses an antifreeze protein (AFP). The liver of this fish contains DNAs that encode at least 13 type III AFP isoforms (denoted nfeAFPs). The primary sequences of the nfeAFP isoforms were categorized into SP‐ and QAE‐sephadex binding groups, and the latter were further divided into two subgroups, QAE1 and QAE2 groups. Ice crystals observed in HPLC‐pure nfeAFP fractions are bipyramidal in shape with different ratios of c and a axes, suggesting that all the isoforms are able to bind ice. We expressed five recombinant isoforms of nfeAFP and analyzed the thermal hysteresis (TH) activity of each as a function of protein concentration. We also examined the change in activity on mixing the isoforms. TH was estimated to be 0.60 °C for the QAE1 isoform, 0.11 °C for QAE2, and almost zero for the SP isoforms when the concentrations of these isoforms was standardized to 1.0 mm. Significantly, the TH activity of the SP isoforms showed concentration dependence in the presence of 0.2 mm QAE1, indicating that the less active SP isoform becomes ‘active’ when a small amount of QAE1 is added. In contrast, it does not become active on the addition of another SP isoform. These results suggest that the SP and QAE isoforms of type III AFP have different levels of TH activity, and they accomplish the antifreeze function in a co‐operative manner.
Degradation of chitosans with chitinase B from Serratia marcescens
Authors: Sørbotten Audun , Horn Svein J. , Eijsink Vincent G. H. , Vårum Kjell M.
Published: January 2005

Family 18 chitinases such as chitinase B (ChiB) from Serratia marcescens catalyze glycoside hydrolysis via a mechanism involving the N‐acetyl group of the sugar bound to the −1 subsite. We have studied the degradation of the soluble heteropolymer chitosan, to obtain further insight into catalysis in ChiB and to experimentally assess the proposed processive action of this enzyme. Degradation of chitosans with varying degrees of acetylation was monitored by following the size‐distribution of oligomers, and oligomers were isolated and partly sequenced using 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. Degradation of a chitosan with 65% acetylated units showed that ChiB is an exo‐enzyme which degrades the polymer chains from their nonreducing ends. The degradation showed biphasic kinetics: the faster phase is dominated by cleavage on the reducing side of two acetylated units (occupying subsites −2 and −1), while the slower kinetic phase reflects cleavage on the reducing side of a deacetylated and an acetylated unit (bound to subsites −2 and −1, respectively). The enzyme did not show preferences with respect to acetylation of the sugar bound in the +1 subsite. Thus, the preference for an acetylated unit is absolute in the −1 subsite, whereas substrate specificity is less stringent in the −2 and +1 subsites. Consequently, even chitosans with low degrees of acetylation could be degraded by ChiB, permitting the production of mixtures of oligosaccharides with different size distributions and chemical composition. Initially, the degradation of the 65% acetylated chitosan almost exclusively yielded oligomers with even‐numbered chain lengths. This provides experimental evidence for a processive mode of action, moving the sugar chain two residues at a time. The results show that nonproductive binding events are not necessarily followed by substrate release but rather by consecutive relocations of the sugar chain.
Clinical Biologic Pathophysiologies of Women's Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Nappi Rossella , Salonia Andrea , Traish Abdulmaged M. , Van Lunsen Rik H.W. , Vardi Yoram , Kodiglu Ates , Goldstein Irwin
Published: January 2005

Introduction

Data concerning the biologic pathophysiology of desire, arousal, and orgasm in women are limited.

Aim

To gain knowledge of biologic paThophysiology of female sexual function.

Methods

To provide state-of-the-art knowledge concerning female sexual dysfunction, representing the opinions of seven experts from five countries developed in a consensus process over a 2-year period.

Main Outcome Measure

An International Consultation in alliance with key urological and sexual medicine societies convened over 200 multidisciplinary specialists from 60 countries into 17 consultation committees. The aims, goals and intentions of each committee were defined. Expert opinion was based on grading of evidence-based medical literature, extensive internal committee dialogue, open presentation, and debate.

Results

Three critical physiologic requirements, including intact sex steroids, autonomic/somatic nerves, and arterial inflow/perfusion pressure to women's genital organs play fundamental roles in maintaining women's sexual function. Despite this, there are nominal data supporting a direct pathophysiologic involvement of abnormal sex steroid values, and/or damage/injury to neurologic and/or blood flow integrity in women with problems in sexual desire, arousal, and/or orgasm. This summary details the available literature concerning hormonal, neurologic, and vascular organic pathophysiologies of women's sexual dysfunctions.

Conclusions

Additional research on clinical pathophysiologies in women's sexual dysfunction is needed. This chapter encompasses data presented at the 2nd International Consultation on Sexual Medicine in Paris, France, June 28–July 1, 2003.
Scale for Quality of Sexual Function (QSF) as an Outcome Measure for Both Genders?
Authors: Heinemann Lothar A.J. , Potthoff Peter , Heinemann Klaas , Pauls Alfred , Ahlers Christoph J. , Saad Farid
Published: January 2005

Background

For years, there has been interest in sexual dysfunction and its impact on quality of life but usually focused on one gender. Therapeutic options that became available raised the interest to evaluate effects on the other partner but there is no standardized instrument applicable for both genders. This paper reports first data regarding the development of a new general “Quality of Sexual Function” (QSF) scale.

Methods

The raw scale was based on our own gender-specific scales and the pertinent literature. The scale was applied in over 700 persons of a cross-sectional survey in Germany. Factorial analyses were performed to describe the internal structure (domains) of the scale and for item reduction. Internal consistency reliability and some aspects of validity were analyzed with the same community sample preliminary reference values determined.

Results

The scale consists of 32 specific items and eight general questions. Four dimensions were identified: “psycho-somatic quality of life,”“sexual activity,”“sexual (dys)function—self-reflection,” and “sexual (dys)function—partner's view.” The internal consistency reliability coefficients of the total scale and the subscales were good as were the total–domain correlations. Content validity was promising.

Conclusion

This self-administrable 40-item QSF scale can measure and compare quality of sexual function for both genders. The scale was well accepted by the respondents. It is easy to answer and the evaluation is simple. Only a few results of reliability and validity have been established in this early stage of the development of the new instrument. Further research is needed to complete many missing aspects of reliability and the construct validity, particular its sensitivity to treatment effects.
Vardenafil Improves Satisfaction Rates, Depressive Symptomatology, and Self-Confidence in a Broad Population of Men with Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Hatzichristou Dimitrios , Cuzin Beatrice , Martin-Morales Antonio , Buvat Jacques , Porst Hartmut , Laferriere Nicole , Bandel Tiemol Jerg , Montorsi Francesco
Published: January 2005

Introduction

Vardenafil is a potent and selective phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor developed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Fixed-dose and flexible-dose studies have previously established the efficacy and tolerability of vardenafil.

Aim

To assess, besides the usual measures of efficacy, the quality of erection, satisfaction with the sexual experience, symptoms of depression, and overall confidence.

Methods

This 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled flexible-dose study assessed patients from the general ED population. Patients underwent a 4-week treatment-free period before randomization to vardenafil or matching placebo. Initial dosage was vardenafil 10 mg for 4 weeks. At 4 weeks, patients could switch to 5 or 20 mg (or corresponding placebo), or remain on 10 mg for an additional 4 weeks; dose switching was also optional for the last 4 weeks. This paper describes per-patient success in satisfaction with hardness of erection, satisfaction with overall sexual experience, effect on overall self-confidence, and an assessment of symptoms of depression using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale.

Results

Mean per-patient satisfaction rates with erection hardness increased after vardenafil treatment to 43%, 59%, and 63% at weeks 4, 8, and 12, respectively, compared to placebo with 10%, 21%, and 23% (all P < 0.005 vs. placebo). Vardenafil also improved mean per-patient overall satisfaction 50–65% over the 4–12 week study period compared with 17–28% for placebo (P < 0.005). Symptoms of depression were statistically significantly reduced compared to placebo (P = 0.02); the effect was observed particularly in patients who were depressed at baseline (P = 0.01). Significantly more patients in the vardenafil treatment group reported improved self-confidence than those who received placebo (P < 0.005).

Conclusions

A flexible-dose regimen of vardenafil improved satisfaction rates, symptoms of depression, and self-confidence, providing patients with an effective ED therapy that contributes to overall improvements in sexual function and confidence.
A Broken Intracavernous Needle: Successful Ultrasound-Guided Removal
Authors: Shamloul Rany , Kamel Ihab
Published: January 2005

Introduction

Common complications of intracavernous injection therapy include pain, hematoma formation, syncope, prolonged erections, and penile fibrosis. Rare reported complications include postinjection cavernositis, intracorporeal needle breakage.

Aim

We report a case of postinjection intracavernous needle breakage with successful ultrasound-guided retrieval.

Methods

A 32-year-old patient complaining of a 6-month penile pain following intracavernous papaverine injection presented to our department. Clinical examination and penile ultrasound revealed a broken intracavernous needle at the left mid-dorsum aspect of the penis with surrounding fibrosis. A decision was made to remove the broken needle.

Results

The needle was dislodged effortlessly under local anesthesia.

Conclusion

A deeply seated intracavernous broken needle should be immediately retrieved. Patients must be carefully instructed on the proper injection technique with emphasis on the delicacy of the needle and the possibility of needle breakage during injection.
Intracavernous Sodium Nitroprusside (SNP) Versus Papaverine/Phentolamine in Erectile Dysfunction: A Comparative Study of Short-Term Efficacy and Side-Effects
Authors: Shamloul Rany , Atteya Ahmed , Elnashaar Abdelrahman , Gadallah Amr , Zohdy Wael , Abdelsalam Wael
Published: January 2005

Objective

The aim of our work is to evaluate the efficacy of intracavernous sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in management of erectile dysfunction (ED) in a clinical comparative study with papaverine/phentolamine in ED patients.

Methods

The study included 40 patients with ED divided into two groups. Group I include 20 patients receiving intracavernous (30 mg papaverine + 1 mg phentolamine) followed 1 week later by intracavernous 300 µg SNP. Group II included 20 patients receiving the same regimen of group I but with intracavernous SNP first followed by papaverine/phentolamine 1 week later. All patients were assessed clinically for their response and any developing complications.

Results

The numbers of good and poor responders were not statistically significant (P > 0.05) among the two groups. The mean erectile duration of SNP was similar to bimix (P > 0.05). No side-effects whether local or systemic occurred with SNP while priapism and local penile pain were recorded with bimix solution.

Conclusions

Intracavernous pharmacotherapy is still a reliable method both for diagnosis and for treatment of ED. While preliminary results of our study show a potential of SNP to be an effective and safe intracavernous agent, long-term self-injection clinical trials are needed before large-scale usage is recommended.
Cell shrinkage evoked by Ca2+‐free solution in rat alveolar type II cells: Ca2+ regulation of Na+–H+ exchange
Authors: Murao Hitoshi , Shimizu Akira , Hosoi Keita , Iwagaki Akitaka , Min Kyong‐Yob , Kishima Gen‐ichi , Hanafusa Toshiaki , Kubota Takahiro , Kato Masumi , Yoshida Hideyo , Nakahari Takashi
Published: January 2005

The effects of intracellular Ca2+ concentration, [Ca2+]i, on the volume of rat alveolar type II cells (AT‐II cells) were examined. Perfusion with a Ca2+‐free solution induced shrinkage of the AT‐II cell volume in the absence or presence of amiloride (1 μm, an inhibitor of Na+ channels); however, it did not in the presence of 5‐(N‐methyl‐N‐isobutyl)‐amiloride (MIA, an inhibitor of Na+–H+ exchange). MIA decreased the volume of AT‐II cells. Inhibitors of Cl−–HCO3− exchange, 4,4′‐diisothiocyanostilbene‐2,2′‐disulfonic acid (DIDS) and 4‐acetamido‐4′‐isothiocyanatostilbene‐2,2′‐disulfonic acid (SITS) also decreased the volume of AT‐II cells. This indicates that the cell shrinkage induced by a Ca2+‐free solution is caused by a decrease in NaCl influx via Na+–H+ exchange and Cl−–HCO3− exchange. Addition of ionomycin (1 μm), in contrast, induced cell swelling when AT‐II cells were pretreated with quinine and amiloride. This swelling of the AT‐II cells is not detected in the presence of MIA. Intracellular pH (pHi) measurements demonstrated that the Ca2+‐free solution or MIA decreases pHi, and that ionomycin increases it. Ionomycin stimulated the pHi recovery after an acid loading (NH4+ pulse method), which was not noted in MIA‐treated AT‐II cells. Ionomycin increased [Ca2+]i in fura‐2‐loaded AT‐II cells. In conclusion, the Na+–H+ exchange activities of AT‐II cells, which maintain the volume and pHi, are regulated by [Ca2+]i.
Exercise‐induced metallothionein expression in human skeletal muscle fibres
Authors: Penkowa Milena , Keller Pernille , Keller Charlotte , Hidalgo Juan , Giralt Mercedes , Pedersen Bente Klarlund
Published: January 2005

Exercise induces free oxygen radicals that cause oxidative stress, and metallothioneins (MTs) are increased in states of oxidative stress and possess anti‐apoptotic effects. We therefore studied expression of the antioxidant factors metallothionein I and II (MT‐I + II) in muscle biopsies obtained in response to 3 h of bicycle exercise performed by healthy men and in resting controls. Both MT‐I + II proteins and MT‐II mRNA expression increased significantly in both type I and II muscle fibres after exercise. Moreover, 24 h after exercise the levels of MT‐II mRNA and MT‐I + II proteins were still highly increased and the MT‐II mRNA expression reached a 15‐fold increase. As expected, immunohistochemical detection of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrotyrosine (NITT) showed that formation of free radicals and oxidative stress were clearly increased in exercising muscle peaking shortly after the end of exercise in both type I and II muscle fibres. This is the first report demonstrating that MT‐I + II are significantly induced in human skeletal muscle fibres following exercise. As MT‐I + II are antioxidant factors that protect various tissues during pathological conditions, the MT‐I + II increases post exercise may represent a mechanism whereby contracting muscle fibres are protected against cellular stress and injury.
Diversity and fruiting patterns of ectomycorrhizal and saprobic fungi in an old-growth Mediterranean forest dominated byQuercus ilexL.
Authors: Richard F , Moreau P -A , Selosse M -A , Gardes M
Published: January 2005

We collected and mapped epigeous fruitbodies of both ectomycorrhizal (ECM) and saprobic fungi in an old-growth Quercus ilex L. Mediterranean forest within a permanent transect of 6400 m2over three consecutive fruiting seasons. Out of 5382 fruitbodies, a total of 234 species were found, including 166 and 68 ECM and saprobic taxa, respectively. Both communities were mainly composed of rare species. Two genera, Russula and Cortinarius, accounted for 34.4% of ECM fruitbodies and 50% of species diversity. The three most abundant ECM species were Laccaria laccata (Scop.: Fr.) Berk. & Broome, Inocybe tigrina R. Heim, and Lactarius chrysorrheus Fr. The fruiting ECM community encompassed a few Mediterranean species and numerous broad host range temperate species. We also analysed the fruiting patterns in relation to forest structure, host composition, and natural canopy gaps. The results showed (i) a significant correlation of species richness to tree density, (ii) a richness decrease as the number of vegetation layers increases, and (iii) a preferential fruiting of some species near Q. ilex or Arbutus unedo L. Another noteworthy feature was that richness and production were greatly enhanced in canopy gaps. Selective fruiting was also observed among species. These results highlight the importance of forest structure and large woody debris for fungal conservation.Key words: ECM community, saprophytic fungi, holm oak, macromycete fruiting patterns, canopy gaps, fungal conservation.