bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Industry peer effect and the maturity structure of corporate debt
Authors: Duong Hong Kim , Ngo Anh Duc , McGowan Carl B. 
Published: July 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of industry peers in shaping firm debt maturity decisions.

Design/methodology/approach
– The authors use idiosyncratic equity shocks as instruments to disentangle industry fixed and peer effects. The authors also employ a three-stage least squares regression (3SLS) model to capture the correlation among thee (short, medium, and long) debt maturity decisions.

Findings
– The authors find that a one standard deviation change in peer short (medium, long) maturity debt leads to a 50 percent (37 percent, 23 percent) change in firm corresponding maturity debt and that these mimetic behaviors are statistically significant within, but not between, firm size groups. The findings also reveal that firms that mimic the short and medium (long) debt maturity structure of their peers tend to increase (decrease) firm performance as measured by profitability, return-on-assets, and stock returns.

Research limitations/implications
– First, given the research design, the authors are constraint from pinpointing the exact date of the mimicking behaviors. This limitation prevents the authors from establishing the causality of the mimicking behavior and firm performance. Future research can extend the findings by solving this problem. Second, it should be interesting to address the question of whether mimicking behavior is good or bad for firm performance. The authors only compare the performance of Close Followers and Loose Followers; however, it would be more precise to compare the performance of mimicking firms with the performance of non-mimicking firms.

Originality/value
– First, the findings extend the debt maturity structure literature by providing empirical evidence that an important determinant of firm debt maturity is industry peer debt maturity. Since debt maturity directly influences firm risk and performance, it is important for debt and equity holders to know how firms choose their debt maturity so that they can estimate their investment risk precisely. Second, the paper provides new empirical evidence supporting the information acquisition and principal-agent theories in demonstrating that firm performance increases when managers herd over short and medium debt maturity decisions and decreases when managers herd over long debt maturity decisions.
The efficiency of the European banking groups and its determinants
Authors: Dell'Atti Stefano , Pacelli Vincenzo , Mazzarelli Gilda 
Published: July 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it aims to measure and compare the efficiency change of French, German, Italian, Spanish and UK banking groups in a context of financial crisis, over the period 2006-2010; second, it attempts to analyse the internal and environmental determinants of banking groups efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach
– In this paper the efficiency is estimated by a two-stage semi-parametric procedure. In the first stage, we build a common production frontier across countries using the data envelopment analysis (DEA) (Debreu, 1951; Farrell, 1957). To further analyse the efficiency changes over years we use the Malmquist total factor productivity index, based on DEA technique. In the second stage, in order to determine the factors that impact on bank efficiency, the authors perform a bootstrapped truncated regression model with discretionary inputs as independent variables, following Simar and Wilson (2007).

Findings
– The empirical results show that overall the “large” banking groups are more efficient than the “small” ones. However the Malmquist total factor productivity analysis highlights that during the crisis, in particular between 2007 and 2009, unless Britain, in all countries the small banks show a better cost performance than the larger ones. In general, the authors find a moderate efficiency convergence between countries and between large and small banking groups. As regards the determinants of banking groups efficiency, we find that more liquid, less capitalized banking groups and those more oriented towards the traditional activity of lending are more efficient.

Practical implications
– The authors find a positive and high statistically significant relationship between both long- and short-term liquidity degree and the cost efficiency of the banking groups. The policy implication of this result is very significative also in the light of the new banking regulation introduced by Basel III that imposes new rules to strengthen the liquidity risk management.

Social implications
– The authors find that the macroeconomic environment variables have some impact on efficiency: the higher the debt and the GDP per capita of the country the lower the bank’s efficiency.

Originality/value
– Unlike the most literature on this topic, that usually considers individual banks even if they belong to the same financial conglomerate, the authors analyse only banking groups. In particular, the authors consider all banking groups belonging to the most industrialized European countries in a context of financial crisis and cross-border aggregation movements. Furhermore the authors compare cross-country cost performance of small and large groups, considering the loan loss provisions as an additional input in order to correct the efficiency score for credit risk.
Improvement in early diagnosis of Japanese spotted fever by using a novel RickPCRsystem
Authors: Kondo Makoto , Akachi Shigehiro , Kawano Mitsuo , Yamanaka Keiichi , Yamagiwa Akisa , Gabazza Esteban C. , Ando Katsuhiko , Mizutani Hitoshi 
Published: July 2015

AbstractRickettsiadiseases, including Japanese spotted fever (JSF), are serious infections. Delayed diagnosis occasionally results in life‐threatening liver disorders and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Because of the shortness of the latent period, serological diagnosis is not preferable for early diagnosis ofJSF. Until now, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based diagnosis method has been used for early diagnosis, and the sensitivity reaches as high as 90% using skin biopsy samples as we previously reported. On the other hand, the sensitivity of the samePCRmethod using blood samples is limited at less than 50%. In the present study, using peripheral blood samples, we developed a novel diagnostic method forJSFusing a RickPCRsystem with originalPCRprimers, showing improved sensitivity compared with the conventional nestedPCR. It may constitute a preferable diagnostic tool for early and sensitive diagnosis ofRickettsiainfection.
Thisbe silvestresp. nov. (Lepidoptera:Riodinidae): a new myrmecophilous butterfly from theBrazilianAtlanticForest
Authors: Kaminski Lucas A , Iserhard Cristiano A , Freitas André V L 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis paper describes a new species ofThisbe Hübner from theAtlanticForest of south‐easternBrazil. Both adult and immature morphology are described and illustrated, and the natural history, behaviour and symbiotic interactions with ants (myrmecophily) are documented. This new species,T. silvestresp. nov., is known only from the type locality atParqueNacional doCaparaó,MinasGerais state,Brazil. Due to the isolation of the known population, specialised host plant use, restricted geographic distribution and high degree of specificity in a vulnerable habitat,T. silvestreis considered threatened. Thus, monitoring this population is urgently needed, as well as the search for other populations of this butterfly in potential localities in order to evaluate its conservation status.
Novel peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma mutation in a family with familial partial lipodystrophy type 3
Authors: Miehle Konstanze , Porrmann Joseph , Mitter Diana , Stumvoll Michael , Glaser Christiane , Fasshauer Mathias , Hoffmann Katrin 
Published: June 2015

SummaryObjectiveFamilial partial lipodystrophy type 3 (FPLD3) is an autosomal dominant disorder with loss of subcutaneous adipose tissue at the extremities and metabolic complications such as insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridaemia and hypertension. The aim of this study was to characterize the molecular basis of a family of 5 affected members with FPLD3.MethodsA 61‐year‐old female index patient and her relatives were assessed by detailed clinical and biochemical examinations. Sequence analysis of the LMNA and PPARG gene was performed. Structure analysis of the identified mutation was carried out using published X‐ray crystal structures.ResultsA novel heterozygous PPARG mutation c.1040A>C was identified in all 5 patients of the family but not in unaffected controls. The resulting amino acid substitution p.Lys347Thr is located at the ligand‐binding domain (LBD) of the protein and is predicted to disrupt critical molecular interactions to the helix 12 of the LBD.ConclusionsA novel PPARG mutation leading to FPLD3 is described. The results emphasize the importance of the clinical diagnosis and of further molecular genetic analyses in patients with clinical signs of FPLD but unremarkable LMNA findings.
The CDKAL1 gene is associated with impaired insulin secretion and glucose‐related traits: the Cardiometabolic Risk in Chinese (CRC) study
Authors: Liang Jun , Pei Ying , Liu Xuekui , Qiu Qinqin , Sun Yuting , Zhu Yan , Yang Manqing , Qi Lu 
Published: June 2015

SummaryObjectiveInsulin secretion and insulin resistance, which affect metabolic homoeostasis, each have a significant genetic component. Cyclin‐ dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) regulatory subunit‐associated protein 1‐like 1 (CDKAL1) rs10946398, a novel body mass index (BMI)‐associated locus specifically in the Asian population, may impair insulin secretion and may be associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Our objective was to investigate the impact of the rs10946398 polymorphism of CDKAL1 on insulin secretion, insulin resistance and glucose‐related traits in the Chinese population.Subjects and MethodsThe study samples were based on a community‐based health examination survey conducted in central China. Indices of insulin resistance and insulin secretion were derived from fasting glucose measurements and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs). Using multivariate linear regression models, the relationships between the rs10946398 polymorphism of CDKAL1 and insulin secretion, insulin resistance and quantitative glucose‐related traits were investigated in 2313 participants.ResultsThe CDKAL1 rs10946398 C allele showed a significant association with decreased insulin secretion (β = −0·05, P < 0·0005), but not with insulin resistance (β = 0·02, P = 0·08). We also found that the CDKAL1 rs10946398 C allele was significantly associated with glucose‐related traits (fasting glucose, fasting insulin, 2‐h glucose and HbA1c). There was no significant relationship between rs10946398 and other metabolic traits.Conclusionsrs10946398 of CDKAL1 was associated with markers of impaired insulin secretion. It is reasonable to infer that the relationship between CDKAL1 and metabolic diseases is mediated by its effect on glucose‐related traits.
Characteristics and outcomes of Italian patients from the observational, multicentre, hypopituitary control and complications study (HypoCCS) according to tertiles of growth hormone peak concentration following stimulation testing at study entry
Authors: Losa Marco , Beck‐Peccoz Paolo , Aimaretti Gianluca , Di Somma Carolina , Ambrosio Maria Rosaria , Ferone Diego , Giampietro Antonella , Corsello Salvatore M. , Poggi Maurizio , Scaroni Carla , Jia Nan , Mossetto Gilberto , Cannavò Salvatore , Rochira Vincenzo 
Published: June 2015

SummaryObjectiveTo determine whether characteristics and outcomes of Italian patients in the observational global Hypopituitary Control and Complication Study (HypoCCS) differed according to the degree of GH deficiency (GHD).DesignPatients were grouped by tertiles of stimulated GH peak concentration at baseline (Group A lowest tertile, n = 342; Group B middle tertile, n = 345; Group C highest tertile, n = 338).ResultsBaseline demographics, lipid levels, body mass index categories and mean Framingham cardiovascular risk indexes were similar in the three groups and remained substantially unchanged over time, with no subsequent significant between‐group differences (except mean levels of triglycerides increased in the highest tertile group). GHD was adult‐onset for >75% of patients in all groups. The percentage of patients with multiple pituitary deficiencies was higher in Group A than in the other groups; isolated GHD was reported with highest frequency in Group C. Patients in Group A received the lowest mean starting dose of GH. Hyperlipidaemia at baseline was reported in 35·1%, 31·1% and 24·7% of patients in groups A, B and C, respectively (P = 0·029). Mean duration of GH treatment was 7·21, 5·45 and 4·96 years, respectively. The proportion of patients with adverse events did not differ significantly between groups, with a low prevalence over time of diabetes and cancer.ConclusionsIn Italian patients from HypoCCS, the level of GH deficit did not influence changes over time in metabolic parameters or adverse event profile, despite differences in GHD severity at baseline and in the starting GH dose.
Expression of Concern: Calcium plus vitamin D supplementation influences biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in overweight and vitamin D‐deficient women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Foroozanfard Fatemeh , Jamilian Mehri , Bahmani Fereshteh , Talaee Rezvan , Talaee Naeeme , Hashemi Teibeh , Nasri Khadijeh , Asemi Zatollah , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad 
Published: June 2015

SummaryObjectiveThis study was conducted to determine the effects of calcium plus vitamin D supplementation on inflammatory factors and biomarkers of oxidative stress among overweight vitamin D‐deficient women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Design, Patients and MeasurementsThis randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trial was performed among 104 overweight vitamin D‐deficient women diagnosed with PCOS aged 18–40 years. Participants were randomly divided into four groups. Group A received 1000 mg calcium daily and vitamin D placebo weekly (N = 26), group B 50000 IU vitamin D weekly and calcium placebo daily (N = 26), group C 1000 mg calcium daily plus 50000 IU vitamin D weekly (N = 26) and group D calcium placebo daily plus vitamin D placebo weekly (N = 26) for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and 8 weeks after intervention to measure inflammatory factors and biomarkers of oxidative stress.ResultsAfter 8 weeks, individuals taking calcium plus vitamin D supplements had greater decreases in homoeostatic model assessment beta‐cell function (HOMA‐B) score (−11·1 vs −8·6, −3·4 and 13·7, respectively, P = 0·03), serum high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) (−948·3 vs 802·3, −383·8 and 618·2 ng/ml, respectively, P = 0·04) and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations (−0·6 vs −0·5, −0·1 and 0·6 μmol/l, respectively, P = 0·009), and significant increases in plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (35·2 vs 21·1, 22·5 and −153·8 mmol/l, respectively, P = 0·006) and glutathione (GSH) levels (216·0 vs 3·9, −47·5 and −160·8 μmol/l, respectively, P = 0·001) compared with calcium alone, vitamin D alone and placebo groups. Calcium plus vitamin D cosupplementation did not influence plasma NO and catalase levels.ConclusionsWe found that calcium plus vitamin D cosupplementation for 8 weeks among overweight and vitamin D‐deficient women with PCOS had beneficial effects on inflammatory factor and biomarkers of oxidative stress.
Positive effect of growth hormone treatment in maternal uniparental disomy chromosome 14
Authors: Stalman Susanne E. , Kamp Gerdine A. , Hendriks Yvonne M.C. , Hennekam Raoul C.M. , Rotteveel Joost 
Published: June 2015

SummaryObjectiveMaternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 14 (matUPD(14)) resembles Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS). As positive effects of growth hormone (GH) are observed in individuals withPWS, treatment withGHmay be useful in individuals with matUPD(14) as well. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect ofGHtreatment on growth and body composition in children with matUPD(14).DesignThis is a prospective observational study ofGHtreatment in two girls with matUPD(14) during 2 years, and spontaneous growth in another matUPD(14) girl of similar age.PatientsThree girls (patient A, B and C, aged 8·9, 11·4 and 12·7 years, respectively) with matUPD(14) were included in this study.MeasurementsPatients A and B were treated withGHduring 2 years. Patient C was not treated withGH, as she was diagnosed at an age at which she attained near‐final height. Main outcome measures included height, weight, body proportions,IGF‐1, bone age, andDXAscan for body composition.ResultsIn both treated girls, a considerable increase in height (from −2·3SD and −1·2SD to −1·2SDand −0·6SD, respectively) andIGF‐1 levels (from +0·1SDand −1·4SDto +1·3SDand +0·9SD, respectively) and, in patient A, a decrease in weight (+1·2SDto −0·7SD), and improved body composition (fat percentage from 51·5% to 45·4%) were found. Both experienced improved muscle strength.ConclusionsGHtreatment in matUPD(14) cases can show beneficial effects on growth and body composition if started in time. Larger, international studies to determine detailed effectivity and side effects are suggested.
Clinical significance of serum apolipoproteins as a predictor of coronary heart disease risk in Korean men
Authors: Ryoo Jae‐Hong , Park Sung Keun , Hong Hyun Pyo , Kim Min‐Gi , Ha Chul Soo 
Published: June 2015

SummaryObjectiveAlthough serum apolipoprotein measurement is known to be associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) risk, there is only limited information about the clinical significance of lipid profiles such as ApoA, ApoB and A/B ratio in predicting CHD risk in Asians. Therefore, this cohort study was conducted to evaluate the longitudinal effects of baseline serum apolipoprotein measurements on CHD risk in Korean men.DesignInitially, an intermediate and high Framingham risk score (FRS)‐free cohort of 23 918 healthy Korean men was followed until 2010. FRS was calculated for each man and divided into three levels of risk <10% (low), 10–19% (intermediate) and ≥20% (high). More‐than‐a‐moderate CHD risk group (participants with FRS ≥ 10%) and high CHD risk group (participants with FRS ≥ 20%) were defined as our two dependent variables. Cox proportional hazards models were performed.ResultsIn the more‐than‐a‐moderate CHD risk group, the total and average follow‐up periods were 83340·2 and 3·48 person‐years, respectively, and 3763 (15·7%) incident cases developed between 2006 and 2010. In the high CHD risk group, the total and average follow‐up periods were 87868·8 and 3·67 person‐years, respectively, and 344 (1·4%) incident cases developed between 2006 and 2010. Multivariate‐adjusted analyses showed a strong statistically significant relationship between the quintile groups of apolipoprotein B (ApoB), apolipoprotein A‐1 (ApoA‐1) and apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A‐1 (ApoB/A‐1) ratio and both the more‐than‐a‐moderate CHD risk and high CHD risk.ConclusionsSerum ApoB, ApoA‐1 and ApoB/A‐1 ratio levels are independently associated with CHD risk in Korean men.
Differential effects of low birthweight and intrauterine growth restriction on umbilical cord blood insulin‐like growth factor concentrations
Authors: Tzschoppe Anja , Riedel Christina , von Kries Rüdiger , Struwe Ellen , Rascher Wolfgang , Dörr Helmuth G. , Beckmann Matthias W. , Schild Ralf L. , Goecke Tamme W. , Flyvbjerg Allan , Frystyk Jan , Dötsch Jörg 
Published: June 2015

SummaryObjectiveAlterations in the growth hormone–insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) axis have been considered as a causal factor for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and for the increased risk of metabolic disease in later life. We compared members of the IGF axis in umbilical cord blood between IUGR neonates, small for gestational age without foetal restriction (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates.DesignProspective controlled multicenter study.PatientsSixteen ultrasound‐proven IUGR, 8 SGA and 40 AGA neonates.MeasurementsConcentrations of total IGF‐I and total IGF‐II by immunoassays, bioactive IGF by cell‐based bioassay and IGFBP‐I in mixed venous and arterial umbilical cord blood samples at birth. Auxological parameters at birth.ResultsIGF‐I concentrations in IUGR [17·7 μg/l (CI 13·8;21·6)] were clearly below those in AGA [48·3 μg/l (CI 43·7;52·9)] and SGA neonates [36·0 μg/l (CI 26·6;45·4)]. IGF‐II levels were significantly reduced in IUGR [201·4 μg/l (CI 190·2;212·6)] compared to AGA neonates [231·2 μg/l (CI 220·6;241·9)]. A trend for lower IGF‐II concentrations was observed in IUGR when compared to SGA neonates [232·0 μg/l (CI 207·2;256·8)]. These differences could not be explained by confounding. For IGFBP‐1, a trend towards higher values in IUGR was observed.ConclusionsLow IGF‐I cord blood concentrations in hypotrophic neonates after IUGR might not only result from low birthweight per se, but also reflect prenatal placental environment. Alterations of the IGF axis could be in the causal pathway of IUGR and thus constitute a potential surrogate marker for IUGR in the assessment of foetal programming.
Comparison of differentiated thyroid cancer in children and adolescents (≤20 years) with young adults
Authors: Alzahrani Ali S. , Alkhafaji Dania , Tuli Mahmoud , Al‐Hindi Hindi , Sadiq Bakr Bin 
Published: June 2015

SummaryContextAge is a major prognostic factor in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). It is not clear if paediatric DTC has a different histopathological profile and outcome than DTC in adult patients <45 years of age.ObjectiveTo assess whether DTC in children and adolescents differs from young age group by comparing paediatric DTC (age ≤ 20) with DTC in patients >20 to <45 years of age.Patients and methodsWe studied all cases of paediatric DTC seen during the period 1998–2011. We compared this group with a large sample of 213 consecutive adult patients in the age group >20 to <45 years seen during the period 1998–1999 in terms of their pathological features, extent of the disease and long‐term outcome. Both groups were managed by the same team at a single institution.ResultsA total of 310 DTC were studied including 97 paediatric patients [median age 17 years (range, 8–20)] and 213 young adult patients [median age 33 years (range, 20·5–44·9)]. There was no difference in gender distribution, tumour subtypes, size and tumour multifocality, but there was a significantly higher rate of extrathyroidal extension [40/75 (53·3%) vs 81/213 (38·0%), P = 0·03], lymph node [57/73 (78%) vs 102/183 (55·7%), P < 0·0001] and distant metastases [16/97 (16·5%) vs 8/213 (3·8%), P < 0·0001] in the paediatric than the adult groups. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a higher risk of persistent/recurrent disease in the paediatric group than adults (log‐rank test 0·03). However, there was no mortality secondary to DTC in both groups.ConclusionPaediatric DTC is distinct from DTC in the young adults (age >20 to <45 years). It is characterized by a higher rate of extrathyroidal extension, lymph node and distant metastases and a higher risk of persistent/recurrent DTC.