bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing Dividend Policy Decisions of Nasdaq Firms
Authors: Baker H. Kent , Veit E. Theodore , Powell Gary E.
Published: March 2005

This study reports the results of a 1999 survey of Nasdaq‐listed firms. Respondents provided information about the importance of 22 different factors that influence their dividend policy. Our results suggest that many managers of Nasdaq firms make dividend decisions consistent with Lintner's (1956) survey results and model. The results also show significant differences between the manager responses of financial and non‐financial firms on nine of the 22 factors. This finding implies the presence of industry effects on dividend policy decisions. In general, the same factors that are important to Nasdaq firms are also important to NYSE firms.
Reward‐to‐Risk Ratios in the Treasury‐Bill Market
Authors: Pilotte Eugene A. , Sterbenz Frederic P.
Published: March 2005

We estimate the ex‐ante reward per unit of spot‐rate volatility (the reward‐to‐risk ratio) for U.S. Treasury bills on a monthly basis and find that these ratios vary predictably over time. Reward‐to‐risk ratios are positively autocorrelated; month‐to‐month changes in these ratios are negatively autocorrelated. Variation in these ratios contributes at least as much variation to ex‐ante excess returns as does variation in interest‐rate volatility. Because ex‐ante volatility and the rewards to volatility vary independently, variation in ex‐ante premiums is greater than the variation attributable to changing volatility alone.
The Dynamic Relation Between Stock Returns, Trading Volume, and Volatility
Authors: Chen Gong‐meng , Firth Michael , Rui Oliver M.
Published: March 2005

We examine the dynamic relation between returns, volume, and volatility of stock indexes. The data come from nine national markets and cover the period from 1973 to 2000. The results show a positive correlation between trading volume and the absolute value of the stock price change. Granger causality tests demonstrate that for some countries, returns cause volume and volume causes returns. Our results indicate that trading volume contributes some information to the returns process. The results also show persistence in volatility even after we incorporate contemporaneous and lagged volume effects. The results are robust across the nine national markets.
The Asset Pricing Palette: Cash Flows, Returns and Trading Behavior
Authors: Heuson Andrea J.
Published: March 2005

Asset pricing is the topic of the 2001 Eastern Finance Association Symposium and the five papers selected for this collection, which are summarized below, span a broad range of subjects that fall under the umbrella of the determinants of market prices. For example, the Schwartz and Moon article that introduces the symposium uses real options methodology to value firms whose cash flows are subject to multiple sources of uncertainty while the Luders and Peisl and Mixon analytical models that close the selections incorporate dual stochastic processes to derive relationships between information flow, trading volume and price volatility that are consistent with empirical evidence. In between, Mishra and O'Brien present new evidence on the important of index and factor selection when estimating the required return on equity and Spahr and Schwebach revisit the issue of time diversification by reintroducing a statistical construct from earlier times. Each of the works included here makes an important contribution to our understanding of the asset pricing process in a distinct area and opens new doors onto avenues for future research.
A Comparison of Cost of Equity Estimates of Local and Global CAPMs
Authors: Mishra Dev R. , O'Brien Thomas J.
Published: March 2005

Cost of equity estimates are compared for three pricing models: the traditional local CAPM, the single (market) factor global CAPM, and the two‐factor global CAPM, with both market and currency index factors. For 2989 US stocks, the average difference in the cost of equity estimates is about 48 basis points between the local CAPM and the single‐factor global CAPM, and is about 61 basis points between the two global models. For 70 developed‐market ADRs, the corresponding average differences are 76 and 47 basis points, respectively. For 48 emerging‐market ADRs, the corresponding average differences are 57 and 70 basis points.
How Do Investors' Expectations Drive Asset Prices?
Authors: Lüders Erik , Peisl Bernhard
Published: March 2005

Based on an extension of the process of investors' expectations to stochastic volatility we derive asset price processes in a general continuous time pricing kernel framework. Our analysis suggests that stochastic volatility of asset price processes results from the fact that investors do not know the risk of an asset and therefore the volatility of the process of their expectations is stochastic, too. Furthermore, our model is consistent with empirical studies reporting negative correlation between asset prices and their volatility as well as significant variations in the Sharpe ratio.
Volume and Volatility: News or Noise?
Authors: Mixon Scott
Published: March 2005

This paper presents a market microstructure model that is consistent with several empirical regularities. The model embeds separate latent ARCH‐like volatility processes: one representing movements in the underlying fundamental and one representing noise caused by the trading process. This structure allows the regularities to depend either on news or noise. The heteroskedasticity and persistence in the data are due to both ARCH‐like processes. The model has difficulty in simultaneously capturing the size and persistence of trading volume. Several extensions of the basic model, particularly including a constant level of non‐informational trading, improve the model's ability to capture the relevant characteristics of the data.
The Effect of Bank Debt Downgrades on Stock Prices of Other Banks
Authors: Schweitzer Robert , Szewczyk Samuel H. , Varma Raj
Published: March 2005

We find that debt downgrades of money center banks elicit negative stock price responses in nondowngraded money center banks. Stock prices of larger regional banks also react to these downgrades. Although downgrades of regional banks evoke negative stock price responses for regional banks in the same geographic region, the importance of geographic region as a factor determining the extent of intra‐industry reactions has diminished since 1989. Our results indicate that the merger and expansion activities triggered by interstate banking have blurred differences between regional and money center banks as interstate banking activity has moved towards nationwide banking
High‐sensitivity serum C‐reactive protein levels in subjects with or without myocardial infarction or periodontitis
Authors: Persson G. Rutger , Pettersson Thomas , Ohlsson Ola , Renvert Stefan
Published: March 2005

Background: Serum high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsC‐rp) is a non‐specific marker of inflammation. Elevated hsC‐rp levels are found in subjects with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Periodontitis may influence hsC‐rp levels.

Objectives: To assess periodontal status and hsC‐rp serum levels in consecutive subjects hospitalized and diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (n=85) and in a group of carefully matched subjects (gender, age social, ethnic, and smoking habits) without clinical evidence of CVD (n=63).

Methods: hsC‐rp levels, other routine serum values, and clinical periodontal conditions were studied.

Results: Subjects with AMI had higher hsC‐rp levels than control subjects (p<0.001, Mann–Whitney U‐test). The odds that subjects in the control group with periodontitis (30% or more sites with>4.0 mm loss of alveolar bone) had serum hsC‐rp>1.8 mg/l was 1.5 (95% CI: 1.1–7.3, p<0.05). Stepwise linear regression analysis failed to include periodontal parameters in an explanatory model to hsC‐rp values. Only the serum leucocyte (white blood cell (WBC)) counts were explanatory to hsC‐rp values (β standard coefficient=0.45, t=3.2, p<0.001). Serum WBC counts were significantly higher in control subjects with periodontitis (p<0.03) but not in subjects in the AMI group (p<0.57).

Conclusions: (1) As expected, elevated serum hsC‐rp concentration and serum WBC counts are associated with acute coronary heart disease. (2) Elevated serum hsC‐rp values are associated with radiographically defined periodontitis in subjects with no evidence of CVD. (3) Periodontal parameters are not explanatory to elevated serum hsC‐rp values if serum WBC and low‐density lipoprotein counts are included in the regression model.
A novel procedure for evaluating gingival perfusion status using laser‐Doppler flowmetry
Authors: Patiño‐Marín Nuria , Martínez Flavio , Loyola‐Rodríguez Juan Pablo , Tenorio‐Govea Enrique , Brito‐Orta Ma. Dolores , Rodríguez‐Martínez Manuel
Published: March 2005

Objectives: To systematize a procedure that allows one to characterize the perfusion response pattern of attached gingiva to the topical and transitory compression of alveolar mucose, using laser‐Doppler flowmetry.

Material and methods: A cross‐sectional study was carried out, in 20 healthy adult subjects of either sex, with teeth in antero‐mandibular sextant but without periodontitis at the lower left lateral incisor (LLLI). Sample was selected by convenience non‐probability sampling. Gingival perfusion was evaluated at labial LLLI attached gingiva using a specially designed gingival tray. Two perfusion recordings were carried out 5 min. apart, each one consisting of a 40 s control phase, a 22 s compression phase and a 40 s post‐compression phase. During compression phase, LLLI alveolar mucose was compressed with a wood‐mounted cotton swab until the perfusion decreased to about 1/5 of its control perfusion value.

Results: Integrated primary basal flow (IPBF) during control phase was of 14,210±1075 perfusion units (PU), whereas integrated flow during compression phase was of 1651±202 PU (p<0.05). After compression was released, integrated total secondary real flow was 13,322±1513 PU (p<0.05) which represented a 91.3±3.8% of IPBF. Gingival compression propitiated an induced flow debt (IFD) of 6478±781 PU, which increased in 980±482 PU after compression was released, representing 18% of the IFD (Debt index).

Conclusions: A hypoaemic response in reaction to topical and transitory LLLI alveolar mucose compression was observed. Debt index and the ITSRF% are reproducible indices of microvascular perfusion response whose validation under pathological circumstances remains to be evaluated.
Periodontal maintenance in a specialist periodontal clinic and in general dental practice
Authors: Preshaw Philip M. , Heasman Peter A.
Published: March 2005

Objectives: To monitor the efficacy of periodontal maintenance whether conducted in a specialist periodontology clinic or in the practice of the referring general dentist.

Materials and Methods: Thirty‐five subjects with a diagnosis of moderate–severe chronic periodontitis who were referred to the specialist clinic received periodontal non‐surgical therapy. Following a 6‐month healing phase, subjects were randomly allocated to one of two groups: A (n=18, periodontal maintenance provided within the specialist clinic) or B (n=17, periodontal maintenance provided by the referring general dentist in accordance with written instructions provided by the specialist). All subjects were examined at months 0 (corresponding to 6 months post‐completion of non‐surgical therapy), 6 and 12. Full‐mouth plaque index (PI), % bleeding on probing (%BOP) and probing depth (PD) measurements were recorded. PDs were also recorded at eight test sites which, prior to non‐surgical therapy, exhibited PD 5–8 mm, BOP and radiographic alveolar bone loss. Standardized radiographs were exposed at test sites at months 0 and 12, and bone changes assessed using digital subtraction radiography (DSR).

Results: As a result of the non‐surgical therapy, statistically significant improvements in all clinical parameters were recorded. In the maintenance period, mean PI increased significantly from months 0 to 12 (p<0.05), but this increase did not differ significantly between groups A and B (p>0.05). No other clinical parameters changed significantly in the maintenance phase of the study. Reductions in %BOP, mouth mean PD and mean test sites PD achieved by the non‐surgical therapy were maintained and did not differ significantly whether subjects were allocated to group A or group B (p>0.05). Current smokers had significantly deeper PD than non‐smokers and former smokers at all time points (p<0.05), although otherwise, smoking status did not affect the outcomes of the study. DSR analysis identified statistically non‐significant, slight, alveolar bone loss in both groups between months 0 and 12.

Conclusion: In the short term, periodontal maintenance can be provided in general dental practice with the same expected outcomes compared with maintenance that is provided in a specialist clinic, providing that general dentists are given specific instructions regarding the maintenance regimen. A strong emphasis on effective plaque control is necessary.
Coverage of localized gingival recessions: comparison of micro‐ and macrosurgical techniques
Authors: Burkhardt Rino , Lang Niklaus P.
Published: March 2005

Background: In the presence of a thin and narrow zone of gingival tissue root recessions caused by trauma or inflammatory reactions seem to be a common feature of the buccal tissue morphology. The surgical coverage is mainly indicated for aesthetic reasons and may be accomplished with pedicled flaps in conjunction with or without the use of connective tissue grafts.

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the degree of vascularization of connective tissue grafts by applying a microsurgical approach. In addition, the clinical outcome was followed for 1 year.

Material and Methods: The study population consisted of 10 patients with bilateral Class I and II recessions at maxillary canines. In split‐mouth design, the defects were randomly selected for recession coverage either by a microsurgical (test) or macrosurgical (control) approach. Immediately after the surgical procedures, and after 3 and 7 days of healing, fluorescent angiograms were performed to evaluate graft vascularization. In addition, the clinical parameters were assessed before the surgical intervention, and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively.

Results: The results of the angiographic evaluation at test sites revealed a vascularization of 8.9±1.9% immediately after the procedure. After 3 days and after 7 days, the vascularization rose to 53.3±10.5% and 84.8±13.5%, respectively. The corresponding vascularization at control sites were 7.95±1.8%/44.5±5.7% and 64.0±12.3%, respectively. All the differences between test and control sites were statistically significant. The clinical measurements revealed a mean recession coverage of 99.4±1.7% for the test and 90.8±12.1% for the control sites after the first month of healing. Again, this difference was statistically significant. The percentage of root coverage both test and control sites remained stable during the first year at 98% and 90%, respectively.

Conclusions: The present controlled clinical study has demonstrated that in root surface coverage, a microsurgical approach substantially improved the vascularization of the grafts and the percentages of root coverage compared with applying a conventional macroscopic approach.
Influence of handling‐relevant factors on the behaviour of a novel calculus‐detection device
Authors: Meissner Grit , Oehme Bernd , Strackeljan Jens , Kocher Thomas
Published: March 2005

Objectives: The aim of periodontal therapy is always the complete debridement of root surfaces with the removal of calculus and without damaging cementum. We have recently demonstrated the feasibility of a surface recognition device that discriminates dental surfaces by mathematical analysis of reflected ultrasound waves. This principle should enable the construction of calculus detecting ultrasonic device. Pre‐clinical test results are presented here.

Material and Methods: An impulse generator, coupled to a conventional piezo‐driven ultrasonic scaler, sends signals to the cementum via the tip of an ultrasound device. The oscillation signal reflected from the surface contains the information necessary to analyse its characteristics. In order to discriminate different surfaces, learning sets were generated from 70 extracted teeth using standardized tip angle/lateral force combinations. The complete device was then used to classify root surfaces unknown to the system.

Results: About 80% of enamel and cementum was correctly identified in vivo (sensitivity: 75%, specificity: 82%). The surface discrimination method was not influenced by the application conditions examined. A new set of 200 tests on 10 teeth was correctly recognized in 82% of the cases (sensitivity: 87%, specificity: 76%).

Conclusions: It was shown in vitro that the tooth surface recognition system is able to function correctly, independent of the lateral forces and the tip angle of the instrument.
Plaque inhibition of two commercially available chlorhexidine mouthrinses
Authors: Van Strydonck D. A. C. , Timmerman M. F. , Van Der Velden U. , Van Der Weijden G. A.
Published: March 2005

Background: Chlorhexidine (CHX) 0.2% solution is still “the leading oral antiseptic” for controlling gingivitis. Side effects, however, limit the acceptability to users and the long‐term employment of a 0.2% CHX antiseptic in preventive dentistry. This stimulated the development of new formulations. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect on plaque inhibition and taste perception of two commercially available mouthrinses (0.12% CHX non‐alcohol base with 0.05% cetyl pyridinium chloride (Cpc) versus 0.2% CHX alcohol base).

Methods: The study was designed as a single‐blind, randomized two group parallel experiment, to compare two different commercially available mouthrinses, during a 3‐day plaque accumulation model. Forty healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study and received a thorough dental prophylaxis at the beginning of the test period. Over a 72‐h experimental non‐brushing period, during which subjects abstained from all forms of mechanical oral hygiene, one group (test) used a 15 ml alcohol free 0.12% CHX (=18 mg) mouthrinse on a Cpc base (Perioaid®, CHX⊕Cpc), twice daily for 30 s. The other group (control) used a 10 ml 0.2% CHX (=20 mg) mouthrinse on an 11.8% ethanol alcohol base (Corsodyl®, CHX⊕Alc), twice daily for 60 s. After 72 h of plaque formation, the amount of plaque was evaluated. By the use of visual analogue scale, the subjects were asked for their appreciation of the taste of the mouthrinse they had used.

Results: The mean plaque index for the CHX⊕Cpc group was 0.97 and for the CHX⊕Alc group 0.78. After 72 h of non‐brushing, there was no significant difference in plaque accumulation between the two groups. The answers to the questions (taste perception and after‐taste) showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups. The mean visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for taste appreciation on a scale from very bad to very good taste (0–10) were 5.92 for the CHX⊕Cpc group and 4.10 for the CHX⊕Alc group (p=0.02). The mean visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for the after‐taste on a scale from very short to very long (0–10) were 7.24 for the CHX⊕Cpc group and 5.38 for the CHX⊕Alc group.

Conclusions: Within the limitations of the present study design, it can be concluded that rinsing with a 0.12% CHX mouthrinse on a non‐alcohol base with 0.05% Cpc (Perio‐Aid®) is not significantly different from rinsing with a 0.2% CHX mouthrinse on an alcohol base (Corsodyl®). It appears that the subjects appreciated the taste of the non‐alcohol CHX solution better but the after‐taste of the rinse remained longer in the mouth.
Antioxidants and ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase are not involved in the training‐induced cardioprotection against ischaemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Morán María , Blázquez Isabel , Saborido Ana , Megías Alicia
Published: March 2005

Isolated Langendorff‐perfused hearts from sedentary and prolonged (24 weeks) treadmill‐trained rats were subjected to 30 min of normoxic perfusion either alone or followed by 20 min of global ischaemia, or by 20 min of global ischaemia and 15 min of normoxic reperfusion. Pre‐ischaemic values of antioxidant enzyme activities and ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase activity were not different in sedentary and trained hearts but a 5‐fold increase of 72‐kDa heat shock protein (HSP72) levels was detected in trained myocardium. After ischaemia and reperfusion (I/R), metabolic recovery was better in trained than in sedentary hearts as indicated by higher ATP and creatine phosphate levels. However, antioxidant enzymatic activities, glutathione reductase, and total and mitochondrial superoxide dismutase decreased in trained rats after I/R, whereas they remained unchanged in the sedentary ones. Ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase activity was modified by I/R in sedentary as well as in trained hearts while HSP72 content did not change. Ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase activity and HSP72 content increased in parallel by the 30‐min perfusion period. In conclusion, the cardioprotection induced by long‐term training could be mediated by the exercise‐induced increase in HSP72 levels and is not related to enhanced antioxidant systems or ecto‐5′‐NT activity.
Cortisol and ACTH responses to severe asphyxia in preterm fetal sheep
Authors: Roelfsema Vincent , Gunn Alistair J. , Fraser Mhoyra , Quaedackers Josine S. , Bennet Laura
Published: March 2005

It has been hypothesized that the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis is immature in the preterm fetus and that this compromises their ability to adapt to hypoxic stress; however, there are few direct data. We therefore examined the effects of asphyxia on HPA responses in chronically instrumented preterm fetal sheep (104 days of gestation; term is 147 days), allocated to a sham control group (n= 7) or 25 min of complete umbilical cord occlusion (n= 8), followed by recovery for 72 h. During umbilical cord occlusion there was a rapid rise in ACTH levels (230.4 ± 63.5 versus 14.1 ± 1.8 ng ml−1 in sham controls, 16‐fold) and cortisol levels (7.4 ± 4.9 versus 0.2 ± 0.1 ng ml−1, 31‐fold), with further increases after release of cord occlusion. ACTH levels were normalized by 24 h, while plasma cortisol levels returned to sham control values 72 h after asphyxia. Fetal arterial blood pressure was elevated in the first 36 h, with a marked increase in femoral vascular resistance, and correlated positively with cortisol levels after asphyxia (P= 0.05). In conclusion, the preterm fetus shows a brisk, substantial HPA response to severe hypoxia.
HALO EFFECTIVE FIELD THEORY
Authors: VAN KOLCK U.
Published: March 2005

I discuss effective field theories for bound states and narrow resonances near two-body thresholds. I illustrate the method in the case of nucleon-alpha scattering.
OCTUPOLE CORRELATIONS IN Z OR N~88 NUCLEI
Authors: ZAMFIR N. V. , KUSNEZOV D. , BABILON M.
Published: March 2005

A systematic study of nuclei with Z, N~64, 88 and 88, 134 in terms of the spdf-Interacting Boson Approximation model is presented. Various properties are reproduced with a very simple Hamiltonian which predicts an onset of strong octupole correlations at medium spin.
A MULTICRITERIA APPROACH TO DYNAMIC REASONING IN AN INTELLIGENT USER INTERFACE
Authors: KABASSI KATERINA , DESPOTIS DIMITRIS K. , VIRVOU MARIA
Published: March 2005

This paper presents the way that the global efficiencies approach has been applied to improve the dynamic reasoning of an intelligent Graphical User Interface (GUI) that is based on the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The GUI provides intelligent help to users during their interaction with an e-mailing system, which is called I-Mailer. For this purpose, I-Mailer constantly reasons about every user action in terms of the user's goals and plans. In case the user is involved in a problematic situation, it transforms the user's problematic action and generates alternative actions to be suggested to the user. The actions suggested should be better than the problematic one in the context of the user's intentions as these are hypothesized by the system. Therefore, DEA is used in order to categorize the candidate alternative actions to be suggested to the user into dominating and dominated ones. However, this process usually results in the production of many alternative actions that could be suggested to the user instead of the one issued. To solve this problem, we have applied the global efficiencies approach to discriminate further among the DEA-efficient alternative actions and select the best alternative action to be suggested to a user. Finally, the system has been evaluated as to the effectiveness of this approach.
MARKETING DECISION ANALYSIS BY TURF AND SHAPLEY VALUE
Authors: CONKLIN W. MICHAEL , LIPOVETSKY STAN
Published: March 2005

We consider a problem of marketing decisions for the choice of a product with maximum customer appeal. A widely used technique for this purpose is TURF, or Total Unduplicated Reach and Frequency, which evaluates a union of the events defined by the sample proportion of many products, or flavors of one product. However, when using TURF, it is often impossible to distinguish between subsets of different flavor combinations with practically the same level of coverage. An appropriate tool can be borrowed from cooperative game theory, namely, the Shapley Value, that permits the ordering of flavors by their strength in achieving maximum consumers' reach and provides more stable results than TURF. We describe marketing strategy reasons for using these techniques in the identification of the preferred combinations in media or product mix.
DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES: AN EXPANDED VIEW
Authors: UTTERBACK JAMES M. , ACEE HAPPY J.
Published: March 2005

The term "disruptive technology" as coined by Christensen (1997, The Innovator's Dilemma; How New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail. Harvard Business School Press) refers to a new technology having lower cost and performance measured by traditional criteria, but having higher ancillary performance. Christensen finds that disruptive technologies may enter and expand emerging market niches, improving with time and ultimately attacking established products in their traditional markets. This conception, while useful, is also limiting in several important ways.

By emphasising only "attack from below" Christensen ignores other discontinuous patterns of change, which may be of equal or greater importance (Utterback, 1994, Mastering the Dynamics of Innovation. Harvard Business School Press; Acee, 2001, SM Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Further, the true importance of disruptive technology, even in Christensen's conception of it is not that it may displace established products. Rather, it is a powerful means for enlarging and broadening markets and providing new functionality.

In Christensen's theory of disruptive technology, the establishment of a new market segment acts to channel the new product to the leading edge of the market or the early adopters. Once the innovation reaches the early to late majority of users it begins to compete with the established product in its traditional market. Here we present an alternative scenario in which a higher performing and higher priced innovation is introduced into the most demanding established market segments and later moves towards the mass market.
Portal 5-hydroxytryptophan infusion enhances glucose disposal in conscious dogs
Authors: Moore Mary Courtney , Kimura Kazuhiro , Shibata Haruki , Honjoh Tsutomu , Saito Masayuki , Everett Carrie A. , Smith Marta S. , Cherrington Alan D.
Published: March 2005

Intraportal serotonin infusion enhances net hepatic glucose uptake (NHGU) during glucose infusion but blunts nonhepatic glucose uptake and can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea at high doses. Whether the serotonin precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) could enhance NHGU without gastrointestinal side effects during glucose infusion was examined in conscious 42-h-fasted dogs, using arteriovenous difference and tracer ([3-3H]glucose) techniques. Experiments consisted of equilibration (−120 to −30 min), basal (−30 to 0 min), and experimental (EXP; 0–270 min) periods. During EXP, somatostatin, fourfold basal intraportal insulin, basal intraportal glucagon, and peripheral glucose (to double the hepatic glucose load) were infused. In one group of dogs (HTP, n = 6), saline was infused intraportally from 0 to 90 min (P1), and 5-HTP was infused intraportally at 10, 20, and 40 μg·kg−1·min−1from 90 to 150 (P2), 150 to 210 (P3), and 210 to 270 (P4) min, respectively. In the other group (SAL, n = 7), saline was infused intraportally from 0 to 270 min. NHGU in SAL was 14.8 ± 1.9, 18.5 ± 2.3, 16.3 ± 1.4, and 19.7 ± 1.6 μmol·kg−1·min−1in P1–P4, whereas NHGU in 5-HTP averaged 16.4 ± 2.6, 18.5 ± 1.4, 20.8 ± 2.0, and 27.6 ± 2.6 μmol·kg−1·min−1( P < 0.05 vs. SAL). Nonhepatic glucose uptake (μmol·kg−1·min−1) in SAL was 30.2 ± 4.3, 36.8 ± 5.8, 44.3 ± 5.8, and 54.6 ± 11.8 during P1–P4, respectively, whereas in HTP the corresponding values were 26.3 ± 6.8, 44.9 ± 10.1, 47.5 ± 11.7, and 51.4 ± 13.2 (not significant between groups). Intraportal 5-HTP enhances NHGU without significantly altering nonhepatic glucose uptake or causing gastrointestinal side effects, raising the possibility that a related agent might have a role in reducing postprandial hyperglycemia.
Secretory dynamics of ghrelin in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa and healthy adolescents
Authors: Misra Madhusmita , Miller Karen K. , Kuo Kelly , Griffin Kathryn , Stewart Victoria , Hunter Emily , Herzog David B. , Klibanski Anne
Published: March 2005

Ghrelin is an orexigenic peptide and a growth hormone (GH) secretagogue. Secretory dynamics of ghrelin have not been characterized in adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN). We hypothesized that, compared with healthy adolescents, girls with AN would have increased ghrelin concentrations measured over 12 h of nocturnal sampling from increased basal and pulsatile secretion, and endogenous ghrelin would independently predict GH and cortisol. We examined ghrelin concentration and secretory dynamics in 22 girls with AN and 18 healthy adolescents 12–18 yr old. Associations between ghrelin, various hormones, and measures of insulin resistance were examined. On Cluster analysis, girls with AN had higher ghrelin concentrations than controls, including total area under the curve (AUC) ( P = 0.002), nadir ( P = 0.0006), and valley levels ( P = 0.002). On deconvolution analysis, secretory burst amplitude ( P = 0.03) and burst mass ( P = 0.04) were higher in AN, resulting in higher pulsatile ( P = 0.05) and total ghrelin secretion ( P = 0.03). Fasting ghrelin independently predicted GH burst frequency ( r = 0.44, P = 0.005). The nutritional markers body mass index and body fat predicted postglucose and valley ghrelin but not fasting levels. Ghrelin parameters were inversely associated with fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), leptin, and IGF-I. HOMA-IR was the most significant predictor of most ghrelin parameters. Valley ghrelin independently predicted cortisol burst frequency (52% of variability), and ghrelin parameters independently predicted total triiodothyronine and LH levels. Higher ghrelin concentrations in adolescents with AN are a consequence of increased secretory burst mass and amplitude. The most important predictor of ghrelin concentration is insulin resistance, and ghrelin in turn predicts GH and cortisol burst frequency.
Surfactant alterations in acute inflammatory lung injury from aspiration of acid and gastric particulates
Authors: Davidson Bruce A. , Knight Paul R , Wang Zhengdong , Chess Patricia R. , Holm Bruce A. , Russo Thomas A. , Hutson Alan , Notter Robert H.
Published: March 2005

This study examines surfactant dysfunction in rats with inflammatory lung injury from intratracheal instillation of hydrochloric acid (ACID, pH 1.25), small nonacidified gastric particles (SNAP), or combined acid and small gastric particles (CASP). Rats given CASP had the most severe lung injury at 6, 24, and 48 h based on decreases in arterial oxygenation and increases in erythrocytes, total leukocytes, neutrophils, total protein, and albumin in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). The content of large surfactant aggregates in BAL was reduced in all forms of aspiration injury, but decreases were greatest in rats given CASP. Large aggregates from aspiration-injured rats also had decreased levels of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and increased levels of lyso-PC and total protein compared with saline controls (abnormalities for CASP were greater than for SNAP or ACID alone). The surface tension-lowering ability of large surfactant aggregates on a bubble surfactometer was impaired in rats with aspiration injury at 6, 24, and 48 h, with the largest activity reductions found in animals given CASP. There were strong statistical correlations between surfactant dysfunction (increased minimum surface tension and reduced large aggregate content) and the severity of lung injury based on arterial oxygenation and levels of albumin, protein, and erythrocytes in BAL ( P < 0.0001). Surfactant dysfunction also correlated strongly with reduced lung volumes during inflation and deflation ( P = 0.0004–0.005). These results indicate that surfactant abnormalities are functionally important in gastric aspiration lung injury and contribute significantly to the increased severity of injury found in CASP compared with ACID or SNAP alone.
Abnormal mouse lung alveolarization caused by Smad3 deficiency is a developmental antecedent of centrilobular emphysema
Authors: Chen Hui , Sun Jianping , Buckley Sue , Chen Cheng , Warburton David , Wang Xiao-Fan , Shi Wei
Published: March 2005

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling plays an important regulatory role during lung development and remodeling. Smad3 is a major downstream signal transducer in the TGF-β pathway from the cell membrane to the nucleus. In Smad3 null mutant mice, we have observed retarded lung alveolarization from postnatal day 7 to day 28, and subsequently centrilobular emphysema starting from day 28, as determined by morphometric analysis. In addition to the morphological changes, peripheral lung cell proliferation in Smad3 knockout mice was reduced compared with the wild-type control between postnatal days 7 and 28. Expression of tropoelastin at the mRNA level was also dramatically decreased in Smad3 knockout lungs from postnatal day 28 through adulthood. Furthermore, increased matrix metalloproteinase-9 protein expression and activity were detected in the Smad3 knockout mouse lung tissue and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid at postnatal day 28 when the centrilobular emphysema pathology was just beginning to appear. Therefore, these results indicate that Smad3 not only has a positive regulatory impact on neonatal lung alveolarization but also potentially plays a protective role against the occurrence of centrilobular emphysema later on in life.
Toward functional proteomics of alveolar macrophages
Authors: Wu Haifeng M. , Jin Ming , Marsh Clay B.
Published: March 2005

Alveolar macrophages (AM) belong to a phenotype of macrophages with distinct biological functions and important pathophysiological roles in lung health and disease. The molecular details determining AM differentiation from blood monocytes and AM roles in lung homeostasis are largely unknown. With the use of different technological platforms, advances in the field of proteomics have made it possible to search for differences in protein expression between AM and their precursor monocytes. Proteome features of each cell type provide new clues into understanding mononuclear phagocyte biology. In-depth analyses using subproteomics and subcellular proteomics offer additional information by providing greater protein resolution and detection sensitivity. With the use of proteomic techniques, large-scale mapping of phosphorylation differences between the cell types have become possible. Furthermore, two-dimensional gel proteomics can detect germline protein variants and evaluate the impact of protein polymorphisms on an individual's susceptibility to disease. Finally, surface-enhanced laser desorption and ionization (SELDI) time-of-flight mass spectrometry offers an alternative method to recognizing differences in protein patterns between AM and monocytes or between AM under different pathological conditions. This review details the current status of this field and outlines future directions in functional proteomic analyses of AM and monocytes. Furthermore, this review presents viewpoints of integrating proteomics with translational topics in lung diseases to define the mechanisms of disease and to uncover new diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
Surfactant protein D increases phagocytosis and aggregation of pollen-allergen starch granules
Authors: Erpenbeck Veit J. , Malherbe Delphine C. , Sommer Stefanie , Schmiedl Andreas , Steinhilber Wolfram , Ghio Andrew J. , Krug Norbert , Wright Jo Rae , Hohlfeld Jens M.
Published: March 2005

Recent studies have shown that surfactant components, in particular the collectins surfactant protein (SP)-A and -D, modulate the phagocytosis of various pathogens by alveolar macrophages. This interaction might be important not only for the elimination of pathogens but also for the elimination of inhaled allergens and might explain anti-inflammatory effects of SP-A and SP-D in allergic airway inflammation. We investigated the effect of surfactant components on the phagocytosis of allergen-containing pollen starch granules (PSG) by alveolar macrophages. PSG were isolated from Dactylis glomerata or Phleum pratense, two common grass pollen allergens, and incubated with either rat or human alveolar macrophages in the presence of recombinant human SP-A, SP-A purified from patients suffering from alveolar proteinosis, a recombinant fragment of human SP-D, dodecameric recombinant rat SP-D, or the commercially available surfactant preparations Curosurf and Alveofact. Dodecameric rat recombinant SP-D enhanced binding and phagocytosis of the PSG by alveolar macrophages, whereas the recombinant fragment of human SP-D, SP-A, or the surfactant lipid preparations had no effect. In addition, recombinant rat SP-D bound to the surface of the PSG and induced aggregation. Binding, aggregation, and enhancement of phagocytosis by recombinant rat SP-D was completely blocked by EDTA and inhibited by d-maltose and to a lesser extent by d-galactose, indicating the involvement of the carbohydrate recognition domain of SP-D in these functions. The modulation of allergen phagocytosis by SP-D might play an important role in allergen clearance from the lung and thereby modulate the allergic inflammation of asthma.
Androgen-Induced Vocal Transformation in Adult Female African Clawed Frogs
Authors: Potter Kristen A. , Bose Tina , Yamaguchi Ayako
Published: March 2005

Sex-specific behaviors of some vertebrates are reversible by androgen administered in adulthood. Such behavioral transformations in adulthood provide opportunities to identify how neural systems reconfigure to produce sex-specific behavior. In this study, we focused on the vocalizations of the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis. Male and female adult Xenopus produce sexually distinct vocalizations; males produce series of rapid clicks, whereas females produce slow trains of clicks. The differences in click rate can be reduced to differences in the firing rate of laryngeal motoneurons in vivo. This behavioral dimorphism is accompanied by various sex-specific characteristics throughout the vocal pathways, including functionally distinct laryngeal muscles and motoneurons in the sexes. In this study, we first determined whether and how testosterone (T) modifies the vocalizations of adult females and then examined changes underlying the behavioral modification at the laryngeal muscle and motoneuron levels. Our results show that, in response to T, the vocalizations of females were transformed within 13 wk. Vocal transformation was preceded by complete masculinization of muscle contractile properties and motoneuron soma size by the fourth week of T treatment, which suggests that the vocal pathways' peripheral components masculinize earlier than the behavior. Therefore the rate of transformation of vocal behavior must reflect a functional transformation of neurons in the central vocal pathways, which leads to the generation of male-like motor rhythms.
Implementing International Environmental Treaties in Developing Countries: China's Compliance with the Montreal Protocol
Authors: Zhao Jimin
Published: March 2005

Since signing the Montreal Protocol in 1991, China has complied with the Protocol's procedural requirements and has satisfied its substantive obligations for reducing ozone-depleting substances by meeting the 1999 freeze targets and making progress towards reaching the 50 percent reduction goals for 2005. The Protocol's Multilateral Fund has played a key role in China's compliance. The sector-based approach to funding, which approved sector-level funding and targets for reduction of ozone-depleting substances, has been much more effective in changing government and industry behavior than the previous project-by-project approach, which required an application and approval procedure for each individual project. Other factors contributing to China's success include the use of market-based policies and regulations, positive government leadership and capacity building, and the participation of local environmental protection bureaus in implementing the Protocol.
Governing GMOs in the EU: A Deviant Case of Environmental Policy-making?
Authors: Rosendal G. Kristin
Published: March 2005

The central question addressed in this study is how one of the world's strongest and fastest growing sectors—the biotech industry—has seemingly been without influence in the EU's efforts to regulate genetically modified organisms. First, agri-biotech industry's positions are compared to the policy outputs. This is followed by a discussion about precaution and protectionism. The paper goes on to analyze the role of industry in light of three hypothesized explanations: internal unity; access to decision-making; and strength of counterbalancing forces. It concludes that counterbalancing forces, particularly in combination with developments in the EU decision-making procedures, provide the greatest explanatory power. Moreover, the strength of the counterbalancing forces in this particular environmental issue area is boosted by the links between health and environment concerns in public opinion.
Critical reflections on the emerging discourse of international social work
Authors: Haug Erika
Published: March 2005

English

As informed by critical theory’s attention to voice and power relations, this article explores international social work as an emerging discourse body. In particular, the legacy of colonialism and professional imperialism to current paradigms for international social work exchanges is explored.

French

Informé par l’attention de la théorie critique aux relations de pouvoir et l’importance accordée à la voix, cet article explore le travail social international comme discours naissant. En particulier, l’article explore l’impact du colonialisme et de l’impérialisme professionnel sur des paradigmes contemporains des échanges en travail social international.

Spanish

Siguiendo la atención prestada por la teoría crítica a la voz y las relaciones de poder, este artículo explora el trabajo social internacional como un corpus de discurso naciente. En concreto, se explora la herencia del colonialismo y el imperialismo profesional que puede observarse en los paradigmas actuales de trabajo social internacional.
The self-image of adolescents and its relationship to their perceptions of the future
Authors: Zeira Anat , Dekel Rachel
Published: March 2005

English

The relationship between the self-image of 1196 Israeli adolescents and their perceptions of the future was examined. A positive correlation was found between most of the OSIQ sub-scales and the perceptions of the future. Analysis revealed gender and age differences and also suggested an additional validation of the OSIQ.

French

Cette recherche examine la relation entre l’image de soi de 1196 adolescents israéliens et leur perception de l’avenir. Elle indique une correlation positive entre les sous-échelles ‘OSIQ’ et les perceptions de l’avenir. L’analyse révèle des différences entre les sexes et les âges et suggère une validation supplémentaire de ‘OSIQ’.

Spanish

Se examina la relación entre auto-imagen y percepción del futuro de 1196 adolescentes israelíes. Se halla una correlación positiva entre la mayoría de las sub-escalas del OSIQ y las percepciones del futuro. El análisis revela diferencias de género y edad, y también sugiere una validación más del OSIQ.
Reverse mission
Authors: Abram Faye Y. , Slosar John A. , Walls Rose
Published: March 2005

English

A reverse-mission approach to international social work is explored, drawing upon ecumenical efforts of global mission education. Instead of teaching, preaching, and trying to convert others, emphasis is on learning, consciousness-raising, and advocating for changes in one's home country that can impact poverty and injustice in the world.

French

Cet article explore une approche dite ‘de mission renversée’ en travail social international, qui s’inspire d’efforts écuméniques en éducation pour une mission globale. Plutôt que d’enseigner, de précher et d’essayer de convertir les autres, l’emphase est mise sur l’apprentissage, la conscientisation et le plaidoyer en vue de changements à apporter dans son propre pays, qui pourraient avoir un impact sur la pauvreté et l’injustice dans le monde.

Spanish

Se explora el ‘reverso de la misión’ como acercamiento al trabajo social internacional, diseñado sobre los esfuerzos ecuménicos de la misión educativa global. En lugar de enseñar, practicar y tratar de convertir a otros, el énfasis está en el aprendizage, la concientización y el abogar por los cambios en el propio país, que pueden tener un impacto en la pobreza e injusticia en el mundo
Coming Home? Jews in Postwar Paris
Authors: Auslander Leora
Published: March 2005

‘Möbel-Aktion’ was the name given to the Third Reich’s policy of seizing the contents of Jewish homes in occupied Western Europe. After hundreds of thousands of Dutch, Belgian and French Jews fled antisemitic persecution, many of their homes were pillaged and their domestic belongings seized for shipment to the East to furnish German homes. But by the spring of 1944, with the war going badly and trains urgently needed for other purposes, this project was abandoned, leaving behind substantial quantities of furniture, clothing, dishes and other household items. This article analyses, from the point of view of both the returnees and the state, the structure put in place by the French provisional government in autumn 1944 to attempt to reunite returnees with their possessions. Using the archives generated by these processes, supplemented by juridical texts and memoirs, this article demonstrates how refugees narrativized their losses and rights and the emotional, psychological and political uses to which refugees put these requests for restitution. This moment is particularly important because it is one of the few, until very recently, in which the French state acknowledged, however obliquely, the particular experience of the Jewish victims of the German Occupation and Vichy Regime.