bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphology and histochemistry of the hyolingual apparatus in chameleons
Authors: Herrel A. , Meyers J.J. , Nishikawa K.C. , De Vree F.
Published: September 2002

We reexamined the morphological and functional properties of the hyoid, the tongue pad, and hyolingual musculature in chameleons. Dissections and histological sections indicated the presence of five distinctly individualized pairs of intrinsic tongue muscles. An analysis of the histochemical properties of the system revealed only two fiber types in the hyolingual muscles: fast glycolytic and fast oxidative glycolytic fibers. In accordance with this observation, motor‐endplate staining showed that all endplates are of the en‐plaque type. All muscles show relatively short fibers and large numbers of motor endplates, indicating a large potential for fine muscular control. The connective tissue sheet surrounding the entoglossal process contains elastin fibers at its periphery, allowing for elastic recoil of the hyolingual system after prey capture. The connective tissue sheets surrounding the m. accelerator and m. hyoglossus were examined under polarized light. The collagen fibers in the accelerator epimysium are configured in a crossed helical array that will facilitate limited muscle elongation. The microstructure of the tongue pad as revealed by SEM showed decreased adhesive properties, indicating a change in the prey prehension mechanics in chameleons compared to agamid or iguanid lizards. These findings provide the basis for further experimental analysis of the hyolingual system. J. Morphol. 249:154–170, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
NMR chemical shift mapping of the binding site of a protein proteinase inhibitor: changes in the 1H, 13C and 15N NMR chemical shifts of turkey ovomucoid third domain upon binding to bovine chymotrypsin Aα
Authors: Song Jikui , Markley John L.
Published: September 2002

The substrate‐like inhibition of serine proteinases by avian ovomucoid domains has provided an excellent model for protein inhibitor‐proteinase interactions of the standard type. 1H,15N and 13C NMR studies have been undertaken on complexes formed between turkey ovomucoid third domain (OMTKY3)2 and chymotrypsin Aα (Ctr) in order to characterize structural changes occurring in the Ctr binding site of OMTKY3. 15N and 13C were incorporated uniformly into OMTKY3, allowing backbone resonances to be assigned for OMTKY3 in both its free and complex states. Chemical shift perturbation mapping indicates that the two regions, K13‐P22 and N33‐A40, are the primary sites in OMTKY3 involved in Ctr binding, in full agreement with the 12 consensus proteinase‐contact residues of OMTKY3 defined previously on the basis of X‐ray crystallographic and mutational analysis. Smaller chemical shift perturbations in selected other regions may result from minor structural changes on binding. Through‐bond 15N–13C correlations between P1‐13C′ and P1′‐15N in two‐dimensional H(N)CO and HN(CO) NMR spectra of selectively labeled OMTKY3 complexed with Ctr indicate that the scissile peptide bond between L18 and E19 of the inhibitor is intact in the complex. The chemical shifts of the reactive site peptide bond indicate that it is predominantly trigonal, although the data are not inconsistent with a slight perturbation of the hybridization of the peptide bond toward the first tetrahedral state along the reaction coordinate. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abbreviations used:

BPTI

bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor, Swiss‐Prot P00974

Ctr

bovine chymotrypsin Aα Swiss‐Prot P00766

OMTKY3

third domain of the proteinase inhibitor (ovomucoid) from turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), Swiss‐Prot P01004

SSI

streptomyces subtilisin inhibitor, Swiss‐Prot P01006

STI

soybean trypsin inhibitor, Swiss‐Prot P01071.
Climate of the seasonal cycle in the North Pacific and the North Atlantic oceans
Authors: Yashayaev Igor M. , Zveryaev Igor I.
Published: September 2002

Time series of monthly sea‐surface temperature (SST), air temperature (AT) and sea level pressure (SLP) were constructed from merged releases of the Comprehensive Ocean‐Atmosphere Data Set (COADS). The time series were decomposed into seasonal and non‐seasonal (short and long‐term) components. The contribution of the seasonal cycle to the total variance of SST and AT exceeds 80% in the mid and in some high latitude locations and reaches its peak (>95%) in the centres of subtropical gyres. In most cases, a combination of annual and semiannual harmonics accounts for more than 95% of the seasonal variability.

Amplitudes of SST and AT annual cycles are highest near the western boundaries of the oceans; annual phases of SST and AT increase toward the eastern tropical oceans, revealing a southeastern propagation of the annual cycle over the Northern Hemisphere oceans. The annual cycle of AT leads that of SST by 1–3 weeks. The largest phase differences are observed in the regions of western boundary currents in the North Pacific and the North Atlantic oceans. This is consistent with spatial patterns of integral air–sea heat fluxes. Annual phases of SST increase along the Gulf Stream and the Kuroshio Current. This points to the importance of signal transport by the major ocean currents.

The lowest annual amplitudes of SLP are observed along the equator (0°–10°N) in both oceans. There are three distinct areas of high annual amplitudes of SLP in the North Pacific Ocean: Asian, Aleutian and Californian. Unlike the North Pacific, only one such area exists in the North Atlantic centred to the west of Iceland. A remarkable feature in the climate of the North Pacific is a maximum of semiannual SLP amplitudes, centred near 40°N and 170°W. It is also an absolute maximum in the entire Northern Hemisphere. Analysis of phases of harmonics of SLP seasonal cycle has revealed the trajectories of propagation of the annual and semiannual cycles.

Analysis of semiannual to annual amplitudes ratio has revealed the regions of semiannual cycle dominance. Copyright © 2001 Royal Meteorological Society
Kinetics of the gas‐phase reactions of hydroxyl radicals with C1–C6 aliphatic alcohols in the presence of ammonium sulfate aerosols
Authors: Oh Sewon , Andino Jean M.
Published: September 2002

The effects of ammonium sulfate aerosols on the kinetics of the hydroxyl radical reactions with C1–C6 aliphatic alcohols have been investigated using the relative rate technique. P‐xylene was used as a reference compound for the C2–C6 aliphatic alcohols study, and ethanol was used as a reference compound for the methanol study. Two different aerosol concentrations that are typical of polluted urban conditions were tested. The total surface areas of aerosols were 1400 μm2 cm−3 (condition I) and 3400 μm2 cm−3 (condition II). Results indicate that ammonium sulfate aerosols promote the ethanol/OH radical and 1‐propanol/OH radical reactions as compared to the p‐xylene/OH radical reaction. The relative rate of the ethanol/·OH reaction versus the p‐xylene/·OH reaction increased from 0.19 ± 0.01 in the absence of aerosols to 0.24 ± 0.01 and 0.26 ± 0.02 under aerosol conditions I and II, respectively. The relative rate of the 1‐propanol/·OH reaction versus the p‐xylene/·OH reaction increased from 0.45 ± 0.03 in the absence aerosols to 0.56 ± 0.02 and 0.55 ± 0.03 under aerosol conditions I and II, respectively. However, significant changes in the relative rates of the 1‐butanol/·OH, 1‐pentanol/·OH, and 1‐hexanol/·OH reactions versus the p‐xylene/·OH reaction were not observed for either aerosol concentration. The relative rates of the methanol/·OH reaction versus the ethanol/·OH reaction were identical in the absence and presence of aerosols. These results indicate that ammonium sulfate aerosols promote the methanol/·OH reaction as much as the ethanol/·OH reaction (as compared to the p‐xylene/·OH reaction). © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 33: 422–430, 2001
Benign outcome of RSV infection in children with cancer
Authors: Cole Peter D. , Suh Jin S. , Onel Kenan , Stiles Jeffrey , Armstrong Donald , Dunkel Ira J.
Published: September 2002

Background

High case‐fatality rates have been reported among adults who develop respiratory syncytical virus (RSV) infection while being treated for oncologic diseases, particularly after bone marrow transplantation. Previous reports of RSV infection among children with primary and acquired immunodeficiencies describe increased morbidity compared with that seen in immunocompetent children, but there have been few reports describing the outcome of RSV infection specifically among pediatric oncology patients.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all children being treated by the Pediatric Oncology Service at Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center who had positive tests for RSV between the Fall of 1994 and the Spring of 1998. Patients on the BMT Service were excluded from this analysis.

Results

Eighteen RSV infections were identified among pediatric oncology patients, who were being treated with aggressive, predominantly alkylator‐based chemotherapy for a variety of oncologic diagnoses. Nine episodes of RSV infection (50%) were treated with specific antiviral therapy. Only one death less than 100 days from the diagnosis of RSV infection occurred among these 18 patients and was attributed to progressive leukemia. The remaining patients recovered fully, although three were readmitted with respiratory symptoms within two weeks of discharge. Seven patients had concurrent infection with other pathogenic organisms.

Conclusions

In striking contrast with the outcome of RSV infection in adult oncology patients, there may be low mortality associated with RSV infection in pediatric oncology patients. It is possible that scheduled anti‐neoplastic therapy need not be delayed for these patients when the diagnosis of RSV infection is made. Med. Pediatr. Oncol. 37:24–29, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long‐term breast cancer survivors: confidentiality, disclosure, effects on work and insurance
Authors: Stewart D.E. , Cheung A.M. , Duff S. , Wong F. , McQuestion M. , Cheng T. , Purdy L. , Bunston T.
Published: September 2002

As more women are diagnosed with breast cancer, more will survive the illness from a few years to a lifetime. This study sought to determine the experience of Canadian breast cancer survivors with respect to the impact of cancer on confidentiality, work and insurance.

Method: Women who had survived breast cancer without recurrence for at least 2 years completed a mail survey about the effect of their illness on confidentiality, disclosure, work and insurance.

Results: 378 (75.6%) women breast cancer survivors responded to the survey. Their mean age was 61.0±10.9 years, and 67.6% had been recurrence free for more than 5 years. The majority of women rated hospital staff, family doctors, family, friends, and support groups at the highest possible level of confidentiality. Over 70% of survivors disclosed their diagnosis to friends, children, siblings, and partners, while over 50% disclosed to work colleagues and supervisors. However, over 40% felt cancer had altered their priorities or progress at work, and 5% were afraid to change jobs in case they became ill again. There was a lack of knowledge about insurance but, of the types of insurance identified, life insurance (17.9%), extended health insurance (7.7%), and private disability insurance (4.4%) were reported to have been refused or offered only with higher premiums as a result of a past diagnosis of breast cancer.

Discussion: A substantial minority of women perceived that cancer had substantially affected their personal and work lives. Although most felt their illness confidentiality was well protected and they disclosed freely to family, friends, and work, over 40% of women survivors reported that cancer had affected their work in various ways, and nearly 20% identified insurance problems. It appears that disclosure sometimes results in negative work and insurance experiences.

Conclusions: Health professionals and cancer survivors should engage in education about the potential positive and negative effects of disclosure, and advocacy against cancer‐based work and insurance discrimination. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychological issues among children of hereditary breast cancer gene (BRCA1/2) testing participants
Authors: Tercyak Kenneth P. , Peshkin Beth N. , Streisand Randi , Lerman Caryn
Published: September 2002

Children growing up in hereditary breast cancer families may experience diminished psychological well‐being. In addition to coping with having a cancer‐affected parent or close relatives, these children may focus on their own health risks in light of shared genetic information. While knowledge of a parent's BRCA1/2 negative status may allay a subset of children's worries and fears about cancer, others could experience distressing thought patterns over positive test results. The purpose of this preliminary study is to explore conceptions of health, cancer risk, and psychological adjustment among children in families suggestive of carrying BRCA1/2 susceptibility genes. As part of a longitudinal investigation of the outcomes of BRCA1/2 testing in adults, 20 children of a highly select group of 15 mothers (80% previously affected by breast/ovarian cancer) completed a self‐report survey of their beliefs and opinions regarding cancer and genetic testing, stress and worry about cancer, and anxiety, depression, and behavior problems. All information was completed at baseline, prior to the mother's receipt of her genetic test result. The data did not suggest unusually elevated cancer worries or psychological adjustment problems in these children at this point in the parental genetic testing process. However, children with more psychological distress symptoms did experience more frequent thoughts of becoming sick and greater cancer worries. To the extent that learning about a parent's positive test result could exacerbate these tendencies, recommendations to promote child psychological and family communications research that monitor such responses are offered. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tandem mass spectrometric analysis of quaternary ammonium pesticides
Authors: Evans Catherine S , Startin James R , Goodall David M , Keely Brendan J
Published: September 2002

A detailed MSn study on an ion trap instrument of the quaternary ammonium pesticides paraquat, diquat, difenzoquat, mepiquat and chlormequat reveals a number of ions not reported previously, and has allowed examination of the fragmentation pathways. A number of transitions that are highly specific to each quat have been identified. Optimal ion trap operating conditions determined using Simplex optimisation can promote either detection of a particular fragmentation transition or a range of MS/MS product ions with a high overall signal response. Thus, fragmentation conditions were optimised to enhance the specificity or sensitivity of MS/MS methods. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microstructure and properties of Fe–N/Ti–N magnetic multilayers
Authors: Lu Xin‐Chun , Shi Bing , Li Ming , Luo Jianbin , Li Lawrence K.Y. , Chang Xiangrong , Tian Zhongzhuo
Published: September 2002

In the search for a better write head to be used in high‐density magnetic storage systems, Fe–N/Ti–N magnetic multilayers with different thickness Fe–N layers and 2 nm thickness Ti–N layers were prepared by magnetron sputtering. The multilayer structures and magnetic properties were characterized with low‐angle scattering, high‐angle x‐ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and magnetometry. Microhardness and the reduced modulus of the multilayer were measured by using a nanoindenter with a diamond tip in conjunction with AFM. The result of low‐angle x‐ray scattering of the multilayer shows that it has a periodic structure with sharp, flat interfaces. The structure of an Fe–N/Ti–N periodic multilayer has better mechanical properties than a single‐layered Fe–N film while retaining excellent soft magnetic properties. Among the samples studied, the Fe–N(5 nm)/Ti–N(2 nm) multilayer has the best general properties. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Degradation effect of a ZnO layer on ZnS: comparison between a Monte Carlo simulation and experimental Auger and CL measurements
Authors: Swart H. C. , Greeff A. P.
Published: September 2002

Surface reactions occur on the ZnS:Cu,Al,Au surface during prolonged electron bombardment forming a non‐luminescent ZnO layer with consequent loss in cathodoluminescence (CL) intensity. The layer is formed according to the electron‐stimulated surface chemical reaction (ESSCR) mechanism. There is a direct correlation between the power emitted as luminescence and the energy loss of the electron beam. The electron energy loss within the ZnS was determined by using the Monte Carlo algorithm CASINO, which is a publicly available code. By determining the energy loss, the influence of a non‐luminescent ZnO layer of varying thickness on a ZnS substrate on the CL intensity was simulated. These results were compared also with previous calculations that were based on the results of experiments done on the transmission of electrons through thin films. The energy loss within the ZnS as function of the ZnO thickness was determined at beam voltages of 1, 2 and 5 keV. The results obtained correlate with experimental CL measurements of the phosphor degradation during electron bombardment. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reversible light‐induced wettability of fluorine‐containing azobenzene‐derived Langmuir–Blodgett films
Authors: Feng Chuan Liang , Jin Jian , Zhang Yan Jie , Song Yan Lin , Xie Lian Ying , Qu Gui Rong , Xu Yu , Jiang Lei
Published: September 2002

An azobenzene derivative [4‐(6‐oxo‐hexacarboxylic acid)‐3′‐trifluoromethyl‐azobenzene] was synthesized and transferred onto a solid substrate by the Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) technique. The films undergo reversible wettability changes upon irradiation with ultraviolet (UV, 365 ± 10 nm) and visible (436 ± 10 nm) light. This property of reversible wettability of the LB film is confirmed directly by contact angle measurement, UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results suggest that the wettability change is due to a photoinduced surface energy change. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adsorbate‐induced reconstructions and nanostructures on high‐index copper surfaces
Authors: Wee A. T. S. , Guo Y. P. , Tan K. C. , Wang H. Q. , Leong T. K. , Huan C. H. A.
Published: September 2002

High‐index copper surfaces generally show a strong tendency to reconstruct, forming one‐ or even two‐dimensional periodic nanostructures. In this paper, a survey will be presented of the various oxygen‐induced reconstructions reported on high‐index copper surfaces. In particular, the reconstructions of the Cu(210)–O system are presented, as revealed by low‐energy electron diffraction (LEED) and scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM). The adsorption of oxygen leads to a series of (n × 1) (n = 4,3,2) surface reconstructions, the Cu(210)–(2 × 1)O structure being the most stable. Quantitative LEED analysis confirms an added row model comprising Cu — O — Cu rows along the [001] direction on the topmost layer with oxygen at the long bridge sites. A range of faceting behaviour and nanostructure formation is also observed for the Cu(210)–O and Cu(210)–Br systems, and compared with other high‐ and low‐index Cu surfaces. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rôle d'un intermédiaire lipidique dans le transfert du mannose à des accepteurs glycoprotéiques endogènes chez Aspergillus niger
Authors: Letoublona R. , Got R.
Published: August 2002

Previous studies from this laboratory have shown that a particulate preparation from Aspergillus niger catalyses the incorporation of mannose, from GDP‐mannose, into a lipid fraction which has been identified as polyprenyl phosphate mannose (PPM). The results of kinetic studies presented in this communication suggest that PPM serves as an intermediate in the ensymatic transfer of mannosyl unit from GDP‐mannose to endogenous glycoproteins. β‐elimination or Pronase treatment and subsequent dialysis result respectively in 70% or 90% release of radioactivity. The absence of passive penetration of GDP‐mannose across microsome membranes and the inhibitory effect of palmityl‐CoA on mannose transfer are in good agreement with the involvement of PPM in the transport of mannose across membranes.
From the Editor Vol 4 No 1
Authors: Mandell Lewis
Published: August 2002

NA
Tax Savings Opportunities in Estate Freeze Transactions
Authors: Hamill James R. , Sternberg Joel S.
Published: August 2002

Transfer tax valuation rules for interests in family businesses include a minimum value to reflect the option value of “junior” equity interests transferred tofamily members. We examine the option features of the junior interest and use the Black-Scholes model to identify situations in which an estate planner could structure a plan of ownership succession that results in undervaluation of the transferred interest. The Black-Scholes model may also be used to identify situations in which a lifetime ownership transfer should be avoided because of the minimum value rule.
A Practitioner’s Perspective
Authors: Poole Barbara S.
Published: August 2002

NA
Estimating the Consumption and Investment Demands for Housing and Their Effect on Housing Tenure Status
Authors: Ioannides Yannis M. , Rosenthal Stuart S.
Published: August 2002

Theoretical work suggests that families live in owner-occupied housing if their invest- ment demand for housing exceeds their consumption demand for housing. Using household data from the 1983 Survey of Consumer Finances, an analysis tests this theory by estimating an ordered probit model of whether families rent without owning property, rent while owning property other than their home, own their home without owning other properties, or own their home in addition to other properties. For owner-occupiers who own additional property, both the investment and consumption demands are directly observed, permitting the separate identification of these functions. The results suggest that investment demand is more sensitive to wealth and income than is consumption demand, but that consumption demand is more sensitive to demographic variables and proximity to urban suburbs. In addition, test results indicate that the principal residence of most owner-occupiers is determined by their consumption demand for housing, not their investment demand. Review of Economics & Staristics, February 1994, 76(l): 127-141. (Reprinted with permission of ABV/Inform, Copyright UMI.)
A Dividend Payment Effect in Stock Returns
Authors: Ogden Joseph P.
Published: August 2002

This paper presents evidence for the period 7162-12189 that individual NYSE and AMEX stocks provide relatively high average excess returns on the payment dates of quarterly cash dividends and several subsequent trading days. Additional results indicate that returns during the payment period: (a) are not a manifestation of the January, monthly or dividend yield anomalies; (b) are positively related to the stock’s dividend yield; and (c) are higher for firms that have dividend reinvestment plans. These endings are consistent with a tendency by stockholders to reinvest dividend income into the stock of the paying firm, thereby increasing demand for the stock and raising its price. Additional evidence links the returns on these days with (previously-documented) excess returns around the ex-dividend date. The Financial Review, August 1994,29(3): 345-369. (Reprinted with permission of The Financial Review.)
Harmful Effects of Seemingly Helpful Information on Forecasts of Stock Earnings
Authors: Davis Fred D. , Lohse Gerald L. , Kottemann Jeffrey E.
Published: August 2002

Decision makers have expanding access to business information via computerized news retrieval systems. A greater understanding is needed about how this news retrieval informa- tion influences their performance and confidence. MBA students from an advanced finance course forecasted stock earnings using a computerized information system designed to simulate systems used in practice. Disguised actual company data were presented in three different treatments: baseline information, baseline plus redundant news information, and baseline plus nonredundant news information. The redundant information made subjects significantly more confident in their forecasts compared to the baseline case. The nonredun- dam information made subjects significantly more confident than both the baseline case and the redundant case. Forecast accuracy, however, was significantly diminished in both the redundant and nonredundant conditions compared to baseline. Thus, the additional news information, whether redundant or nonredundant, had the effect of degrading performance while increasing confidence. This indicates that decision makers may be poor judges of the usefulness of newly available information sources, and may be influenced by information that does not improve their performance under the false impression that it is helpful. Journal of Economic Psychology, June 1994, 15(2): 253-267. (Reprinted with permission of North Holland Publishing Company.)
Do Institutions Window Dress? An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Eakins Stan , Sewell Susan
Published: August 2002

An investigation is made into whether institutional fund managers modify the compo- sition of their portfolios at year end to increase their appeal to investors. The portfolio composition of over 1,000 institutions is evaluated between 1985 and 1988. Neither regression analysis nor means tests across quarters provide any evidence that a systematic shift to larger or lower risk firms occurs at year end. An unexplained 3rd-quarter anomaly is discovered. Quarterly Journal of Business & Economics, Spring 1994, 33(2): 69-78. (Reprinted with permission of ABIfinform, Copyright UMI.)
Outside Directors and the Adoption of Poison Pills
Authors: Brickley James A. , Coles Jeffrey L.
Published: August 2002

We find that average stock-market reaction to announcements of poison pills is positive when the board has a majority of outside directors and negative when it does not. The probability that a subsequent control contest is associated with an auction is also positively related to the fraction of outsiders on the board. These results are largely driven by directors who are retired executives from other companies. The evidence suggests that outside directors serve the interests of shareholders. Journal of Financial Economics, June 1994, 35(3): 371-390. (Reprinted with permission of North-Holland Publishing Company.)
Investment Performance of International Mutual Funds
Authors: Droms William G. , Walker David A.
Published: August 2002

In this paper we add several new perspectives to the growing body of empirical evidence on the investment performance of international mutua1 funds by applying a pooled cross- sectional/time-series regression methodology to a large data base over an extended period. Risk-adjusted and unadjusted investment returns are not related to whether a fund is load or no-load, and asset size, expense ratios, and turnover rates are not related to investment performance. We find no reward for paying a load fee when investing in mutual funds. It is noteworthy that performance is not affected by fund size, given the explosive growth of international mutual funds. The Journal of Financial Research, Spring 1994 , XVII(I):l-14. (Reprinted with permission of The Journal of Financial  Research.)
Tax Subsidies to Saving for Home Purchase
Authors: Engelhardt Gary V.
Published: August 2002

Large movements in home prices and depressed residential construction in the U.S. have focused attention on new tax subsidies to home ownership in the form of targeted savings incentives for first-time home buyers. While much has been learned about the effects of the more traditional tax subsidies to owner-occupied housing and to saving, nothing is known about this new type of program. Since the US has had no experience with such subsidies, the presented study analyzes the experiences of Canada, which sponsored tax subsidized savings accounts for first-time home buyers-Registered Home Ownership Savings Plans (RHOSP)-at the national level from 1974 to 1985. Results show that such a policy in the U.S., based on the Canadian experience, is likely to be popular among young households saving for a down payment. National Tax Journal, June 1994,47(2): 363-388. (Reprinted with permission of ABV/Inform, Copyright UMI.)
The Postlisting Returns Anomaly Revisited,
Authors: Edelman Richard B. , Baker H. Kent
Published: August 2002

A study updates and extends prior research on the postlisting anomaly, namely the find that stocks moving from NASDAQ to a national exchange experience negative excess returns in the period after listing. The evidence shows that significantly negative postlisting abnormal returns persist in the 1982 through 1989 period for a sample of 12 1 NASDAQ-to- NYSE transfers. The results also show that certain prelisting characteristics (liquidity, EPS growth, and size) of firms areassociated with different patterns ofpostlisting return behavior. That is, not all newly listed stocks have negativepostlisting performance. Quarterly Journal of Business & Economics, Spring 1994, 33(2): 54-68. (Reprinted with permission of ABV/Inform, Copyright UMI.)
Interleukin‐6 levels in umbilical artery serum in normal and abnormal pregnancies
Authors: Galazios G , Papazoglou D , Giagloglou K , Vassaras G , Maltezos E , Anastasiadis P
Published: August 2002

Objective: The aim of our study was to determine the correlation of abnormal umbilical artery interleukin‐6 levels with pregnancies complicated by preterm delivery and pre‐eclampsia. Method: Cord serum (umbilical artery) was collected at delivery by cesarean section or spontaneous delivery. Samples were retrieved from patients with normal and abnormal pregnancies. Patients were divided into three groups: group 1, a control group of samples from uncomplicated pregnancies (n=24); group 2, patients with pre‐eclampsia (n=21); and group 3, patients having had preterm delivery (n=29). Interleukin‐6 was measured by bioassays. Statistics were performed with the Mann–Whitney U‐, Student's t‐ and the Kruskal–Wallis tests. Results: Interleukin‐6 levels in women with preterm delivery were statistically higher compared to those of normal pregnancies (P<0.05) and lower in the cord serum of pre‐eclamptic when compared to those of normal pregnancies (P<0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, we believe that further investigations could elucidate the role of this pleiotropic cytokine in both, normal and pathologic reproductive biology, and determine the clinical utility of IL‐6 measurements in obstetric practice.
Randomized trial of isosorbide mononitrate versus misoprostol for cervical ripening at term
Authors: Chanrachakul B. , Herabutya Y. , Punyavachira P.
Published: August 2002

Objectives: To assess the adverse effects of isosorbide mononitrate (IMN) compared with misoprostol for cervical ripening at term. Methods: One hundred and seven women with term pregnancies referred for induction of labor with Bishop scores of 6 or less were randomly allocated to receive either a 40‐mg IMN tablet vaginally (n=55) or 50 μg misoprostol vaginally (n=52) every 6 h for a maximum of three doses. They were sent to the labor ward for amniotomy or oxytocin if either their Bishop scores were more than 6 or their cervices were not ripe 24 h after the treatment. Adverse effects, progress, and outcomes of labor were assessed. Results: Isosorbide mononitrate was associated with fewer adverse effects especially uterine tachysystole (0 vs. 19.2%, P<0.01) and hyperstimulation (0 vs. 15.4%, P<0.01). The time from start of medication to vaginal delivery in IMN group was significantly longer (25.6±6.1 vs. 14±6.9 h, P<0.01). Oxytocin was needed in 51 women (92%) of the isosorbide mononitrate group and six women (11%) of the misoprostol group (P<0.001). The cesarean rate was not significantly different between the groups, but the major indications were different: dystocia (45%) in the IMN group vs. persistent non‐reassuring fetal heart rate pattern (56%) in the misoprostol group. Conclusions: Cervical ripening with IMN resulted in fewer adverse effects, but was less effective than misoprostol.
Clinical outcomes of pregnancy with one elevated glucose tolerance test value
Authors: Kim H.S. , Chang K.H. , Yang J.I. , Yang S.C. , Lee H.J. , Ryu H.S.
Published: August 2002

Objective: To evaluate clinical outcomes of pregnancies with one elevated glucose tolerance test. Methods: We performed a 50 g glucose challenge test (GCT) in 5019 pregnant women at 24–28 weeks of gestation. In 1170 women with plasma glucose levels over 130 mg/dl, a 100 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed at 28–32 weeks of gestation. During follow‐up, 282 patients were lost and in the 888 cases that were followed‐up, 189 were excluded because of GDM. Therefore 699 study patients were divided into four groups: No Elevated group (NE, N=577) with all four normal 100 g OGTT values, and Groups 1 (N=16), 2 (N=35), and 3 (N=71) with one elevated 100 g OGTT value after 1, 2 and 3 h, respectively. Results: Poor maternal outcomes (NE group, Group 1, Group 2, Group 3: 17.5%, 37.6%, 22.9%, 25.3%) with pre‐eclampsia, cesarean delivery for cephalopelvic disproportion, failure to progress, or fetal distress, was highest in Group 1 (odds ratio 2.94; 95% confidence interval 1.02–8.42). Poor perinatal outcomes (15.8%, 43.1%, 14.3%, 21.1%) with any one of the following; fetal distress, Apgar score of <7 at 5 min, hypoglycemia, respiratory distress syndrome, small for gestational age and perinatal death, was also highest in Group 1 (odds ratio 4.24; 95% confidence interval 1.02–17.52). Conclusion: Pregnancies with one elevated glucose tolerance test value after 1 h exhibited increased adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes compared with the group with all normal OGTT values or the groups with an elevated glucose tolerance test value after 2 or 3 h.
Primipaternity and duration of exposure to sperm antigens as risk factors for pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Verwoerd G.R , Hall D.R , Grové D , Maritz J.S , Odendaal H.J
Published: August 2002

Objective: To establish whether primipaternity and duration of unprotected sexual cohabitation is associated with an increased risk of pre‐eclampsia. Method: At a tertiary referral center, the study had a case and control group of 60 multigravid women each, as well as a case and control group of 50 primigravid women each. Information was compiled by means of a confidential questionnaire. Result: After multiple logistic regression analysis using age, smoking, hypertension in previous pregnancies, change of paternity and duration of unprotected sexual cohabitation as predictors, the regression coefficients for change of paternity and sexual cohabitation of longer than 6 months in multigravid women were −0.4 (P=0.15) and −1.4 (P=0.03), respectively. Conclusion: Multigravid women with a period of unprotected sexual cohabitation of longer than 6 months had a decreased risk of pre‐eclampsia. Primipaternity was not a significant risk factor for pre‐eclampsia.
The decision to defer
Authors: Hassan M. Kabir , Lawrence Shari
Published: August 2002

The purpose of this study is to examine employee participation and contribution incentives among defined contribution retirement plans. Using data from the 1995 Survey of Consumer Finances, probit and tobit analysis indicates no signi®cant relationship between employer contributions and an employee's decision to make contributions into his or her retirement plan. However, of those employees who are contributing to their pension plans, the employer contribution percentage has a signi®cant positive effect on employee contribution rates. Therefore, the ®ndings support our hypothesis of a direct relationship between the average employee deferral percentage and the existence of an employer matching contribution. Copyright 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
A comparison of state university de®ned bene®t and de®ned contribution pension plans
Authors: Johnston Ken , Forbes Shawn , Hatem John
Published: August 2002

This paper examines investment risk in comparing de®ned benefit (DB) and de®ned contribution (DC) plans by employing a Monte Carlo simulation. Using a bivariate normal distribution, two general types of risk are associated with a DC-plan. The ®rst is that not enough is being earned by an allocation rule to cover DB-plan out ̄ows. Secondly the portfolio may experience runs of losses that can't be overcome by waiting for a better year because the money runs out. The general result is that higher stock allocations allow the higher earning potential of stocks, even if the losses are occasionally experienced, to accumulate enough wealth to see a DC portfolio match the promised bene®ts of a DB-plan. Copyright 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Inc.
Does loss aversion explain dollar-cost averaging?
Authors: Leggio Karyl B. , Lien Donald
Published: August 2002

Some studies find the dollar-cost averaging investment strategy to be sub-optimal from a mean variance expected utility of wealth perspective. Statman [The Journal of Portfolio Management .1995) fall] introduces a behavioral rationale for the persistence of dollar-cost averaging. Using prospect theory to create an alternative utility function that does not require investors to be strictly risk averse, we empirically test Statman's conjecture for four investment strategies and for alternative stock investments. We find loss aversion still does not explain the existence of the dollar-cost averaging investment strategy. Copyright 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
The CFP(TM) Certification Examination process
Authors: Ashby J. David
Published: August 2002

The CFP Certification Examination, unlike many other professional examinations, is scored using a system that reports scores on a pass-fail basis but does not provide specific numerical scores. This grading system, known as the modi®ed Angoff process, establishes a passing score for each examination and then incorporates adjusting factors to reconcile actual and expected testing results. The CFP Board also factors in an additional scoring adjusting to equate test scores for consistency overtime. The purpose of this paper is to explain the methodology of the modified Angoff process and, in particular, how it relates to the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Certification Examination. Copyright 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
Masthead Vol 5 No 1
Authors: Lahey Karen Eilers
Published: August 2002

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From the Editor Vol 5 No 1
Authors: Lahey Karen Eilers
Published: August 2002

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Professional Stock Analysts’ Recommendations
Authors: Walker M. Mark , Hatfield Gay B.
Published: August 2002

Conclusions regarding analyst performance often depend on the evaluation technique employed. Using a wide variety of techniques, wefind that although there is some evi- dence that analysts do have the ability to identify undervalued and overvalued securities, individual investors generally experience inferior portfolio performance by following analyst recommendations published in the ‘Market Highlights” section of USA Today (even before transaction costs are included). Asaresult,individualinvestorsshouldview studies thatpurport to show superior performance with skepticism. This statement is partitularly true when the assertions are based on stock index comparisons.
Computing Yields on Enhanced CDs
Authors: Brooks Robert
Published: August 2002

In this paper, we seek to provide a framework for comparing certificates of deposit (CD) products that vary in their features. There are now fixed-rate CDs with no early withdrawal penalties as well as floating-rate CDs with guaranteed floors. With the model developed here, we examine the required change in the effective annual rate required in basis points to make CD products with embedded derivatives (called enhanced CDs) comparable with the standard CD products (ones with large early with- drawal penalties). This framework is beneficial for both retail customers seeking to make rational comparisons and bank executives seeking to provide optimal liability products and seeking to manage the resulting interest rate risk
Guerrilla tactics in information dissemination: developing a Web‐based resource for NHS managers
Authors: Bell Lucy
Published: August 2002

Information systems play a vital role in the NHS; however, not all are used to the fullness of their capacity. In order to inform the development of the National electronic Library for Health Management, the key elements of a successful, large‐scale, corporate, Web‐based resource were investigated through semi‐structured interviews with colleagues working on intranets in different sectors. The conclusions drawn from these conversations are that the resource requires: creative and yet clear design, coupling attractive layouts, which appeal to the eye, with user‐friendly routes into the content; pages containing information which can be found nowhere else; careful planning in the early stages in order to get the technology and scale right for the organisation; and, perhaps most importantly, promotion via some sort of face‐to‐face, human means, translating the seemingly abstract system on the screen into a useful resource with connections to the work on the desk and the team in the office.
Political parties’ use of the Web during the 2001 general election
Authors: Bowers‐Brown Julian , Gunter Barrie
Published: August 2002

A marketing efficiency model was applied to the analysis of the use of Web sites by the three major political parties (Conservatives, Labour, and Liberal Democrats) in the UK during the 2001 general election. Data were collected through face‐to‐face interviews with the Web project managers of each party, supplemented by a series of electronic enquiries sent to each party’s Web address on important policy issues. The aim was to establish the overall efficiency of political Web sites in attracting members of the electorate, engaging them, involving them and ultimately retaining them as loyal supporters. The parties used their Web sites as strategic marketing tools and demonstrated an awareness of the advantages the Internet had to offer compared with other media. A number of interactive features were included in the sites designed to engage visitors’ attention and involvement. Labour, in particular, had conducted market research to inform the design of their site. All parties invited visitors to submit comments and questions and promised to respond to such communications promptly. When this promise was put to the test, however, the parties were not all equally effective in the responses they provided. The signs are that political parties have come to recognise the significant role the Internet might play in re‐engaging a politically alienated electorate, but still have some way to realise the full potential of the Web.
The goals, questions, indicators, measures (GQIM) approach to the measurement of customer satisfaction with e‐commerce Web sites
Authors: Boyd Andrew
Published: August 2002

Since the mid‐1990s, organisations have spent quite a bit of time, money and effort developing new “e”‐channels and routes to market. With the advent and rapid adoption of e‐commerce in the late 1990s, organisational efforts were largely geared toward customer acquisition with little to no thought given to customer retention and post‐sale service. As the e‐commerce matures, and in the wake of numerous high‐profile business failures, it is time for savvy managers to use the information that is contained within their systems to gain and sustain competitive advantage. Adapted from its original use in software measurement, the GQIM approach has proved effective in helping managers to identify critical business information. Coupled with the five maxims of satisfaction, managers are provided with a complete framework for the development of an e‐commerce customer satisfaction programme.
Accounting standards and practices of financial institutions in GCC countries
Authors: Hussain Mostaque , Islam Mazhar M. , Gunasekaran A. , Maskooki Kooros
Published: August 2002

In recent years, there has been a growing tendency to establish closer ties among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and United Arab Emirates) in economies and financial institutions. As a result, there is an increasing need for the harmonization of accounting regulations in order to improve cooperation and enhance the efficiency of the financial institutions among GCC countries. This study is an investigation of the accounting standards followed by the financial institutions in five GCC countries with some policy prescriptions for harmonization of the accounting regulations in GCC countries. This paper deals with accounting policies and practices, including loans and provisions, assets, investments, taxation, liabilities, foreign exchange, revenue recognization, and consolidation of GCC countries’ banking and other financial institutions.
Hoshin kanri: a study of practice in the UK
Authors: Witcher Barry
Published: August 2002

This article presents findings from an ESRC sponsored research project about the use of hoshin kanri (policy management) in the UK. The research used tracer studies to follow in real time the development and management of annual policies in three Japanese subsidiaries based in the UK. In addition, case histories were also compiled for companies belonging to the project’s practitioner network. The project explored hoshin kanri as a PDCA‐led strategic management process. There are important issues associated with each part of this PDCA cycle with which practitioners wrestle, but in general there remain important company‐wide benefits.
Auditing hospital queuing
Authors: Barlow Gerald L.
Published: August 2002

This paper reports on research carried out during the summer of 2000, within a National Health hospital in the West Midlands region of England. It looks specifically at the queuing problems in the busiest clinic of the hospital, and involves the observation and questioning of 280 patients. The research considers Maister’s proposition, that satisfaction equals perception minus expectation. The results of the interviews and observations produced some unexpected outcomes, as well as confirming similar research in other areas of the service sector. The research continues by investigating the options available to the hospital’s management for managing the patient’s perception of their wait, and suggests operational ways of improving the actual waiting process.
How Buckinghamshire’s Early Children’s Book Collection found a place in cyberspace: Florence Nightingale would be amazed
Authors: Ryan Michael
Published: August 2002

This article uses a narrative to describe the way in which one project, centred round the restoration of a collection of historic children’s books, developed into a much wider international project. It looks at the managerial issues and some of the technical issues concerned and draws a number of conclusions about how such projects can be developed. In particular it looks at the role of partnership, project management and the frequently under‐appreciated role of publicity and promotion. It examines the ways in which project partners need to agree criteria and methods of working, as well as the key role played by specialist staff and various supporting organisations.
Non‐functional motives for online shoppers: why we click
Authors: Parsons Andrew G.
Published: August 2002

This study applies Tauber’s personal and social motives, as representative of Sheth’s non‐functional motives for shopping, to Internet shoppers. Two studies are conducted; in the first a sample of current online shoppers is surveyed on how well Tauber’s motives describe their motivation for Internet shopping. Projective technique is used in the second study, in which a group of consumers are asked to discuss how the motives may impact on online shoppers, as a means of explaining how the motives apply in the Internet setting. Results suggest that Tauber’s non‐functional motives can be adapted to the twenty‐first century mode of shopping. This leads to some strong implications for researchers and practitioners who so far have concentrated on the functional aspects of Internet shopping with respect to gaining shopping market share.