bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The signalling effect of dividends in Pakistan: executive and analyst perspectives
Authors: Khan Naimat , Burton Bruce , Power David 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the views of company executives and investors regarding the signalling impact of dividends in Pakistan. Quantitative research in the area has been scant, but recent large sample evidence suggests a number of noteworthy idiosyncrasies exist in terms of the market reaction and these require further analysis.Design/methodology/approachThe study involves interviews with 16 financial analysts and 23 company officials regarding the impact of dividends on share prices in Pakistan. Recent work in the nation suggests that the market reaction to dividends in Pakistan is characterised by pre‐announcement leakage and interaction with the attendant earnings signal – these issues were thus central to the discussions.FindingsThe results suggest that individual perceptions both support and contradict the earlier quantitative findings in specific ways. The interviewees, particularly the company executives, were sceptical about the scope for information leakage to occur in Pakistan. In contrast, the interaction between earnings and dividend numbers was acknowledged, with – as in the earlier quantitative studies – the former figure dominating.Originality/valueThis is the first detailed study of perspectives about the impact of dividends on share prices in Pakistan; for reasons outlined above, this represents a major gap in the literature regarding firm‐market communication. The work follows the publication of the first large‐sample study of share price movements in Pakistan; it thereby allows a pervasive conclusion to be drawn about the over‐riding importance of earnings figures in the nation's markets and in the attitudes of the firms listed on them. The study demonstrates the importance of mixed methods research in a developing market context.
Revisiting fortune at base of the pyramid (BoP)
Authors: Gupta Vipin , Khilji Shaista E. 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to broaden the conception of the base of the pyramid (BoP) from that of a low purchasing power community, to a globally disconnected community.Design/methodology/approachThe paper identifies two views related to fortune at the BoP using the conventional purchasing power approach: finding fortune at the BoP; and creating fortune at the BoP. As a next step, the paper offers a theoretical basis for two additional views using the broader conception: sharing fortune with the BoP using social responsibility theory; and enabling fortune at the BoP using critical social theory. The authors construct an integrated framework to aid practitioners in responding to a variety of context‐specific issues in BoP strategy.FindingsThe conventional approach might result in undermining the dignity of BoP communities, and discrediting their unique knowledge systems and potential contributions. It is argued that a context‐sensitive approach can help address these issues to a great extent. In discussing context specific approaches, the paper also introduces the exchange value view that facilitates the need to evolve an open level playing field of value exchange between MNCs (and its partners) and BoP communities.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a need for comparative empirical studies examining benefits and costs associated with (and the sustainability of) the three views proposed.Originality/valueThe paper offers a broader definition of the BoP, and provides alternative views going beyond the conventional strategy approach to BoP.
Plant‐associated bacteria and their role in the success or failure of metal phytoextraction projects: first observations of a field‐related experiment
Authors: Weyens Nele , Beckers Bram , Schellingen Kerim , Ceulemans Reinhart , Croes Sarah , Janssen Jolien , Haenen Stefan , Witters Nele , Vangronsveld Jaco 
Published: February 2013

SummaryPhytoextraction has been reported as an economically and ecologically sound alternative for the remediation of metal‐contaminated soils. Willow is a metal phytoextractor of interest because it allows to combine a gradual contaminant removal with production of biomass that can be valorized in different ways. In this work two willow clones growing on a metal‐contaminated site were selected: ‘Belgisch Rood’ (BR) with a moderate metal extraction capacity and ‘Tora’ (TO) with a twice as high metal accumulation. All cultivable bacteria associated with both willow clones were isolated and identified using 16SrDNA ARDRA analysis followed by 16SrDNA sequencing. Further all isolated bacteria were investigated for characteristics that might promote plant growth (production of siderophores, organic acids and indol acetic acid) and for their metal resistance. The genotypic and phenotypic characterization of the isolated bacteria showed that the TO endophytic bacterial population is more diverse and contains a higher percentage of metal‐resistant plant growth promoting bacteria than the endophytic population associated with BR. We hypothesize that the difference in the metal accumulation capacity between BR and TO clones might be at least partly related to differences in characteristics of their associated bacterial population.
A clinically invisible melanoma
Authors: Perera Eshini , Mellick Nicholas , Teng Paul , Beardmore Graeme 
Published: February 2013

AbstractWe report a case of an amelanotic lentigo maligna incidentally found on a shave biopsy in an 87‐year‐old woman. Amelanotic lentigo maligna is a rare variant of lentigo maligna. It is often reported as presenting as erythematous scaly macules and is usually confused as benign dermatoses. Here were present a case of amelanotic lentigo maligna with no visible or palpable features.
The impact of intensifying acid suppression on sleep disturbance related to gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease in primary care
Authors: Moayyedi P. , Hunt R. , Armstrong D. , Lei Y. , Bukoski M. , White R. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryBackgroundSleep disturbance is common in patients with GERD but there has been little evaluation of this problem in primary care in patients already taking therapy.AimTo evaluate the impact of administering a questionnaire (PASS test) to identify patients with sleep problems and evaluate the efficacy of esomeprazole to improve sleep disturbance in patients with GERD.MethodsThis was a primary care based cluster‐randomised, open‐label study where practices were assigned to intervention or control groups. PASS test failures continued current therapy (control) or were switched to 4 weeks' once‐daily esomeprazole 20 or 40 mg (intervention). Patients were evaluated at the end of 4 weeks and the outcomes that were assessed were the sleep questions from the Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia (QOLRAD) questionnaire and the presence or absence of sleep disturbance from the PASS test questionnaire.ResultsA total of 1388 patients with evaluable data at 4 weeks were included in the analysis and 825 reported GERD‐related sleep disturbance at baseline. At 4 weeks, 161 of 291 of control patients (55%) reported continued sleep disturbance compared to 120 of 534 (22.5%) of intervention patients [number needed to treat of 3: 95% confidence intervals (CI): 2.5–4]. There was a mean improvement in QOLRAD scores related to sleep in the intervention patients compared to control patients (mean improvement = 4.91; 95% CI: 3.73–6.09).ConclusionA PASS strategy identifies GERD patients with sleep disturbance in primary care that will benefit from a change in acid‐suppressive therapy. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00392002; study code: D9612L00096.
Government Student Loan Default: Differences between Graduates of the Liberal Arts and Applied Fields in Canadian Colleges and Universities
Authors: Wright Laura , Walters David , Zarifa David 
Published: February 2013

Les programmes de prêts étudiants du gouvernement sont de plus en plus disponibles pour permettre aux étudiants de familles défavorisées un meilleur accès à l'éducation. En revanche, il est inquiétant d'observer des niveaux d'endettement élevés chez les étudiants et les difficultés qu'ont certains à rembourser ces dettes. Dans cette étude, des données de l'Enquête Nationale auprès des Diplômes 2005 (END) de Statistiques Canada sont analysées dans le but d'établir des liens entre les domaines d'étude et le non‐remboursement des dettes sur les prêts étudiants du gouvernement pour un échantillon de diplômés des collèges et universités. Les analyses prennent en compte les effets de facteurs alternatifs liés au statu socio‐économique et aux revenus. Les résultats démontrent que le niveau d'éducation (collégial versus universitaire) et les domaines d'étude sont des déterminants importants du risque de non‐remboursement des dettes sur les prêts étudiants deux ans après l'obtention du diplôme. De plus, ces résultats sont stables en tenant compte des différences de revenus.Government student loan programs have become increasingly available to provide opportunities and upward mobility for students of disadvantaged backgrounds. Rising student debt and its impact on the repayment experiences of recent postsecondary graduates has become an important concern. This study employs data from Statistics Canada's 2005 National Graduates Survey to examine the relationship between field of study and loan default on government‐supported student loans for graduates of community college and baccalaureate‐level university programs when controlling for many factors relating to sociodemographic characteristics and earnings. Overall, both level of schooling (college versus university) and field of study are significant predictors of whether graduates report defaulting on their government student loans within two years of graduation. However, these findings are relatively unrelated to earnings.
Distinctive disease subgroups according to differentiation stages in adult patients with T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Shimizu Hiroaki , Handa Hiroshi , Hatsumi Nahoko , Takada Satoru , Saitoh Takayuki , Sakura Toru , Miyawaki Shuichi , Nojima Yoshihisa 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectivesThe categorization of T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL) into four subgroups according to the degree of thymic differentiation was proposed in 1995, and this categorization scheme has been described in the World Health Organization classification 4th edition with minor changes. The aim of this study is to explore the clinical significance of leukemia cell differentiation stages in patients with T‐ALL.MethodsWe analyzed 36 adult T‐ALL patients, including six patients (17%) in pro‐T stage, 16 (44%) in pre‐T stage, three (8%) in cortical‐T stage, and 11 (31%) in medullary‐T stage. Pro‐T and pre‐T stages were arbitrarily clustered as the immature group, and cortical‐T and medullary‐T stages as the mature group.ResultsPatients in the immature group had unique presentations, including lower lactate dehydrogenase levels, lower frequency of mediastinal tumor, and higher expression of myeloid antigens than the mature group. There was no difference in the treatment strategies between both groups. Although patients in the immature group had a lower complete remission (CR) rate when compared with the mature group (45% vs. 79%, respectively; P = 0.04), the 3‐yr overall survival (OS) for both groups was comparable (27% vs. 38%, respectively; P = 0.66). Such discrepancy between the CR rates and the OS could be partially explained by survival benefit of allogeneic transplantation observed in the immature group but not in the mature group.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that T‐ALL patients can be categorized into two biologically distinctive subgroups according to the differentiation stages, and this stratification might enable prospective identification of patients with poor chemotherapy response.
Pasture growth model to assist management on dairy farms: Testing the concept with farmers
Authors: Romera Alvaro , Beukes Pierre , Clark Dave , Clark Cameron , Tait Andrew 
Published: February 2013

AbstractA prototype software tool (Pasture Growth Simulation Using Smalltalk, PGSUS) was developed to estimate herbage mass at an individual paddock level so that farmers can measure herbage mass less frequently. PGSUS was tested on 10 commercial and two research dairy farms in New Zealand. Herbage mass estimations from PGSUS were accurate, with an average residual standard deviation of 252 kg dry matter ha−1 across all farms. When interviewed, all farmers gave high ratings to PGSUS, except for the amount of data collection required, and user friendliness, which were given a medium ranking. The extra time dedicated to PGSUS by farmers was 43 min per week on average, which was judged acceptable by farmers. However, in practice, the participating farmers were unable to enter all the information required for the system to work as intended. It is concluded that while it is technically possible to use a pasture model to estimate herbage mass at paddock level with sufficient accuracy to aid decision making, the recording of grazing events proved to be a major obstacle. If the issue of data entry can be overcome, it is envisaged that a full commercial version of PGSUS should appeal to objective‐data‐oriented farmers, most probably as an add‐on to existing commercial farm software.
A cross‐sectional study of hydroxychloroquine concentrations and effects in people with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Carmichael S. J. , Day R. O. , Tett S. E. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackground/AimsTo investigate the pharmacokinetics of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and relationships of HCQ concentration with disease activity variables (concentration–effect relationships) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsHCQ concentration and disease activity were measured at a single time point in 60 patients with SLE receiving HCQ for at least 6 months. Some retrospective objective data on disease activity prior to HCQ commencement were available. Correlations were sought between HCQ blood concentrations and disease variables (Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (SLAM) scores, joint scores, morning stiffness, pain, well‐being, general improvement, other medication use (including corticosteroids), and physician and patient assessments). Blood HCQ concentrations were also dichotomised into ‘more’ and ‘less/no’ disease activity, and mean blood concentrations in the two groups for each disease activity measure were compared.ResultsThe pharmacokinetics (dose–concentration relationships) of HCQ were highly variable in people with SLE. Apparent total clearance of HCQ from blood was 316 (± 319) mL/min (mean (± standard deviation). There was no correlation between SLAM score, patient global assessment or physician global assessment, and blood HCQ concentrations (r2 = 0.2, 0.04 and 0.13, respectively; P > 0.05). However, during HCQ therapy, 64% (14 of 22 patients) had a reduction in prednisolone dose of 50% or more compared with pre‐HCQ therapy.ConclusionsNo significant concentration–effect relationship for HCQ in the treatment of SLE was observed perhaps because consistently high enough blood HCQ concentrations were not achieved. Pharmacokinetic variability led to a wide range of blood HCQ concentrations. A concentration‐targeting study for HCQ in SLE would be timely.
Outcomes Associated With Treatments for Medial, Lateral, and Multidirectional Shoulder Instability in Dogs
Authors: Franklin Samuel P. , Devitt Chad M. , Ogawa Junya , Ridge Patrick , Cook James L. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo describe demographic factors, treatments, and outcomes associated with shoulder instability in dogs.Study DesignMulti‐center, retrospective cohort study.AnimalsDog (n = 130) with shoulder instability.MethodsMedical records (October 2007–2010) from 4 hospitals of dogs with shoulder instability were reviewed to document age, breed, weight, and gender, categorize them into diagnosis cohorts of medial (MSI), lateral (LSI), or multidirectional (MDI) instability, determine treatments, and document outcomes. Treatment cohorts were defined as nonsurgical management, radiofrequency‐induced thermal capsulorrhaphy (RITC), or shoulder reconstruction. Outcomes based upon clinician reevaluation and owner input >1 year after diagnosis were used to determine success, failure, and complication rates.ResultsMost dogs were diagnosed with MSI, but 23% had LSI or MDI. Dogs with MSI treated by reconstruction were more likely than dogs treated without surgery to have a successful outcome (odd's ratio = 3.0; P = .01). Similarly, treatment of MDI with reconstruction was more likely to be associated with a successful outcome than nonsurgical management (odd's ratio = 5.0; P = .007). Success with surgical and nonsurgical management was equivocal between LSI treatment cohorts, but the number of dogs with LSI was small. Complication rates for all treatment cohorts were <10%.ConclusionsIn dogs with shoulder instability, LSI and MDI are less common than MSI. Surgical reconstruction for treatment of MSI and MDI appears to produce a higher likelihood of achieving successful outcomes than nonsurgical management and surgical complication rates were low but these conclusions are tempered by the limitations of the study.
Interleukin‐21 and tumor necrosis factor‐α are critical for the development of autoimmune gastritis in mice
Authors: Nishiura Hisayo , Iwamoto Satoru , Kido Masahiro , Aoki Nobuhiro , Maruoka Ryutaro , Ikeda Aki , Chiba Tsutomu , Watanabe Norihiko 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackground and AimAutoimmune gastritis (AIG), an organ‐specific autoimmune disease, is accompanied by achlorhydria, pernicious anemia, gastric carcinoid tumors, and gastric cancer. Patients with AIG initially respond to corticosteroids but have a great potential to relapse after treatment is withdrawn. This study examines the roles of cytokines in order to identify potential therapeutic options for AIG patients.MethodsUsing a mouse model of AIG, we monitored disease progression and administered antibodies in vivo to block cytokines.ResultsWe developed a mouse model of AIG with early onset and rapid progression in which neonatal thymectomy (NTx) was performed on programmed cell death 1‐deficient (PD‐1−/−) mice on the BALB/c background. Using NTx–PD‐1−/− mice, we found that in AIG lesions, interferon‐γ, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α together with interleukin‐21 (IL‐21) were highly expressed in the inflamed gastric mucosa. In addition, as with the injection of dexamethasone, in vivo administration of either anti‐TNF‐α or anti‐IL‐21 suppressed the development of AIG in NTx–PD‐1−/− mice.ConclusionsThese data reveal the essential role of IL‐21 in the development of AIG and suggest that in addition to corticosteroids, anti‐TNF‐α as well as anti‐IL‐21 have the potential to induce the remission of AIG, offering additional therapeutic options for AIG patients.
Driving patterns in older adults with glaucoma
Authors: van Landingham Suzanne W , Hochberg Chad , Massof Robert W , Chan Emilie , Friedman David S , Ramulu Pradeep Y 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
The ability to drive is important for ensuring quality of life for many older adults. Glaucoma is prevalent in this age group and may affect driving. The purpose of this study is to determine if glaucoma and glaucomatous visual field (VF) loss are associated with driving cessation, limitations, and deference to another driver in older adults.

Methods
Cross-sectional study. Eighty-one glaucoma subjects and 58 glaucoma suspect controls between age 60 and 80 reported if they had ceased driving, limited their driving in various ways, or preferred another to drive.

Results
Twenty-three percent of glaucoma subjects and 6.9% of suspects had ceased driving (p = 0.01). Glaucoma subjects also had more driving limitations than suspects (2.0 vs. 1.1, p = 0.007). In multivariable models, driving cessation was more likely for glaucoma subjects as compared to suspects (OR = 4.0; 95% CI = 1.1-14.7; p = 0.03). The odds of driving cessation doubled with each 5 decibel (dB) decrement in the better-eye VF mean deviation (MD) (OR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.4-2.9; p < 0.001). Glaucoma subjects were also more likely than suspects to report a greater number of driving limitations (OR = 4.7; 95% CI = 1.3-16.8; p = 0.02). The likelihood of reporting more limitations increased with the VF loss severity (OR = 1.6 per 5 dB decrement in the better-eye VF MD; 95% CI = 1.1-2.4; p = 0.02). Neither glaucoma nor VF MD was associated with other driver preference (p > 0.1 for both).

Conclusions
Glaucoma and glaucomatous VF loss are associated with greater likelihood of driving cessation and greater limitation of driving in the elderly. Further prospective study is merited to assess when and why people with glaucoma change their driving habits, and to determine if their observed self-regulation of driving is adequate to ensure safety.
Update on the Mechanisms Facilitating Weight Loss and Resolution of Type 2 Diabetes Following Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Zetu Cornelia , Munteanu Rubin , Frunză Anca , Ionescu-Tîrgovişte Constantin 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity is steadily increasingworldwide. To fight the twin pandemics of obesity and T2DM, clinicians need everytool they can get. Major, durable weight loss is uncommon with medical andbehavioral approaches; many diabetes drugs promote weight gain, while using themto obtain better blood glucose profiles increases the risk of hypoglycemia. Bariatricsurgery seems to be the most effective method for promoting major and durableweight loss in obese subjects, leading also to ameliorations of obesity-associated comorbidities,especially T2DM. Currently, indications for bariatric surgery includemorbidly obese patients or patients with a body mass index (BMI) >35 withsignificant co-morbidities. Currently, bariatric surgery (also referred to as“metabolic surgery”) is advocated for the treatment of T2DM even in overweightsubjects who do not meet the current BMI criteria. This review examines the currentevidence regarding the mechanisms of T2DM resolution following bariatric surgery.
Development of Residual Stresses and Texture in Drawn Copper Tubes
Authors: Carradò Adele , Brokmeier Heinz‐Guenter , Pirling Thilo , Wimpory Robert Charles , Schell Norbert , Palkowski Heinz 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe residual stress state and the texture in Cu‐tubes, drawn without a plug under controlled laboratory conditions, are presented. Neutron stress determination confirms a stress gradient from the outer to the inner surface of the tube walls. High energy X‐rays were used to analyze the texture gradient around the perimeter of the tubes as well as over the wall thickness. Anisotropic flow during tube processing results in texture variations described by ODF‐analysis.