bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lessons from the Financial Crisis on Risk and Capital Management: The Case of Insurance Companies
Authors: Doherty Neil A. , Lamm‐Tennant Joan 
Published: December 2009

This article proposes that risk management be viewed as an integral part of the corporate value‐creation process— one in which the concept of economic capital can provide companies with the financial cushion and confidence to carry out their strategic plans. Using the case of insurance and reinsurance companies, the authors discuss three main ways that the integration of risk and capital management creates value:

strengthening solvency (by limiting the probability of financial distress);
increasing prospects for profitable growth (by preserving access to capital during post‐loss periods); and
improving transparency (by increasing the “information content” or “signaling power” of reported earnings).

Insurers can manage solvency risk by using Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) models to limit the probability of financial distress to levels consistent with the firm's specified risk tolerance. While ERM models are effective in managing “known” risks, we discuss three practices widely used in the insurance industry to manage “unknown” and “unknowable” risks using the logic of real options—slack, mutualization, and incomplete contracts.Second, risk management can create value by securing sources of capital that, like contingent capital, can be used to fund profitable growth opportunities that tend to arise in periods following large losses.Finally, the authors argue that risk management can raise the confidence of investors in their estimates of future growth by removing the “noise” in earnings that comes from bearing non‐core risks, thereby making current earnings a more reliable guide to future earnings. In support of this possibility, the authors provide evidence showing that, for a given level of reported return on equity (ROE), (re)insurers with more stable ROEs have higher price‐to‐book ratios, suggesting investors' willingness to pay a premium for the stability provided by risk management.
Creating Value Through Best‐In‐Class Capital Allocation1
Authors: Zenner Marc , Berkovitz Tomer , Clark John H.S. 
Published: December 2009

With the economy showing signs of recovery, companies are shifting their focus from liquidity and balance sheet concerns back towards capital allocation and value creation. This article provides a comprehensive framework to examine shareholder value creation through capital allocation, and discusses important capital allocation lessons that have re‐emerged over the last few years.Notable among the key lessons are the following:

Growth alone does not guarantee value creation, which suggests that companies should allocate capital based on the economic value of each investment opportunity.
The limits of diversification in a financial crisis should be considered when allocating capital and managing liquidity.
Companies should be conservative with base‐case cash flow projections and incorporate the possibility of downside scenarios into their projections.
It is important to incorporate all forms of capital when managing liquidity.
Whether using a long‐term or current‐market approach, companies should be consistent throughout the cycle in their cost of capital methodology.
Companies should continually rethink investments and allocate capital in an attempt to maintain a competitive advantage.
Evaluate returns relative to risk and cost of capital, and not against the company's average ROIC.
Comparing the IRR of share repurchases to new investments is not an apples‐to‐apples comparison.

Finally, companies should concentrate on the strategic uses and value of particular assets and not allow their decisions to be driven by the value they might receive relative to their initial cost.
Extended Mechanical Circulatory Support With a Continuous‐Flow Rotary Left Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Harris Scott , Tepper David , Ip Randy 
Published: December 2009

Abstract.  Objectives.  This study sought to evaluate the use of a continuous‐flow rotary left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as a bridge to heart transplantBackground LVAD therapy is an established treatment modality for patients with advanced heart failure. Pulsatile LVADs have limitations in design precluding their use for extended support. Continuous‐flow rotary LVADs represent an innovative design with potential for small size and greater reliability by simplification of the pumping mechanism.Methods In a prospective multicenter study, 281 patients urgently listed (United Network for Organ Sharing status 1A or 1B) for heart transplant underwent implant of a continuous‐flow LVAD. Survival and transplant rates were assessed at 18 months. Patients were assessed for adverse events throughout the study and for quality of life, functional status, and organ function for 6 months.Results Of 281 patients, 222 (79%) underwent transplant or LVAD removal for cardiac recovery or had ongoing LVAD support at 18‐month follow‐up. Actuarial survival on support was 72% (95% confidence interval, 65%–79%) at 18 months. At 6 months, there were significant improvements in functional status and 6‐minute walk test results (from 0% to 83% of patients in New York Heart Association functional class I or II and from 13% to 89% of patients completing a 6‐minute walk test) and in quality of life (mean values improved 41% with Minnesota Living With Heart Failure and 75% with Kansas City Cardiomyopathy questionnaires). Major adverse events included bleeding, stroke, right heart failure, and percutaneous lead infection. Pump thrombosis occurred in 4 patients.Conclusions A continuous‐flow LVAD provides effective hemodynamic support for at least 18 months in patients awaiting transplant, with improved functional status and quality of life.
Permanent Genetic Resources added to Molecular Ecology Resources Database 1 August 2009–30 September 2009
Authors:   Molecular Ecology Resources Primer Development Consortium, ABDOULLAYE DOUKARY , ACEVEDO I. , ADEBAYO ABISOLA A. , BEHRMANN‐GODEL JASMINCA , BENJAMIN R. C. , BOCK DAN G. , BORN CÉLINE , BROUAT CARINE , CACCONE ADALGISA , CAO LING‐ZHEN , CASADO‐AMEZÚA P. , CATANÉO J. , CORREA‐RAMIREZ M. M. , CRISTESCU MELANIA E. , DOBIGNY GAUTHIER , EGBOSIMBA EMMANUEL E. , ETCHBERGER LIANNA K. , FAN BIN , FIELDS PETER D. , FORCIOLI D. , FURLA P. , GARCIA de LEON F. J. , GARCÍA‐JIMÉNEZ R. , GAUTHIER PHILIPPE , GERGS RENÉ , GONZÁLEZ CLEMENTINA , GRANJON LAURENT , GUTIÉRREZ‐RODRÍGUEZ CARLA , HAVILL NATHAN P. , HELSEN P. , HETHER TYLER D. , HOFFMAN ERIC A. , HU XIANGYANG , INGVARSSON PÄR K. , ISHIZAKI S. , JI HEYI , JI X. S. , JIMENEZ M. L. , KAPIL R. , KARBAN R. , KELLER STEPHEN R. , KUBOTA S. , LI SHUZHEN , LI WANSHA , LIM DOUGLAS D. , LIN HAORAN , LIU XIAOCHUN , LUO YAYAN , MACHORDOM A. , MARTIN ANDREW P. , MATTHYSEN E. , MAZZELLA MAXWELL N. , McGEOCH MÉLODIE A. , MENG ZINING , NISHIZAWA M. , O’BRIEN PATRICIA , OHARA M. , ORNELAS JUAN FRANCISCO , ORTU M. F. , PEDERSEN AMY B. , PRESTON L. , REN QIN , ROTHHAUPT KARL‐OTTO , SACKETT LOREN C. , SANG QING , SAWYER G. M. , SHIOJIRI K. , TAYLOR DOUGLAS R. , Van DONGEN S. , Van VUUREN BETTINE JANSEN , VANDEWOESTIJNE S. , WANG H. , WANG J. T. , WANG LE , XU XIANG‐LI , YANG GUANG , YANG YONGPING , ZENG Y. Q. , ZHANG QING‐WEN , ZHANG YONGPING , ZHAO Y. , ZHOU YAN 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis article documents the addition of 238 microsatellite marker loci and 72 pairs of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) sequencing primers to the Molecular Ecology Resources Database. Loci were developed for the following species: Adelges tsugae, Artemisia tridentata, Astroides calycularis, Azorella selago, Botryllus schlosseri, Botrylloides violaceus, Cardiocrinum cordatum var. glehnii, Campylopterus curvipennis, Colocasia esculenta, Cynomys ludovicianus, Cynomys leucurus, Cynomys gunnisoni, Epinephelus coioides, Eunicella singularis, Gammarus pulex, Homoeosoma nebulella, Hyla squirella, Lateolabrax japonicus, Mastomys erythroleucus, Pararge aegeria, Pardosa sierra, Phoenicopterus ruber ruber and Silene latifolia. These loci were cross‐tested on the following species: Adelges abietis, Adelges cooleyi, Adelges piceae, Pineus pini, Pineus strobi, Tubastrea micrantha, three other Tubastrea species, Botrylloides fuscus, Botrylloides simodensis, Campylopterus hemileucurus, Campylopterus rufus, Campylopterus largipennis, Campylopterus villaviscensio, Phaethornis longuemareus, Florisuga mellivora, Lampornis amethystinus, Amazilia cyanocephala, Archilochus colubris, Epinephelus lanceolatus, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus, Symbiodinium temperate‐A clade, Gammarus fossarum, Gammarus roeselii, Dikerogammarus villosus and Limnomysis benedeni. This article also documents the addition of 72 sequencing primer pairs and 52 allele specific primers for Neophocaena phocaenoides.
Hepatocyte Growth Factor Reduces Susceptibility to an Irreversible Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitor in EGFR-T790M Mutant Lung Cancer
Authors: Yamada Tadaaki , Matsumoto Kunio , Wang Wei , Li Qi , Nishioka Yasuhiko , Sekido Yoshitaka , Sone Saburo , Yano Seiji 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Purpose: The secondary T790M mutation in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is the most frequent cause of acquired resistance to the reversible EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKI), gefitinib and erlotinib, in lung cancer. Irreversible EGFR-TKIs are expected to overcome the reversible EGFR-TKI resistance of lung cancer harboring T790M mutation in EGFR. However, it is clear that resistance may also develop to this class of inhibitors. We showed previously that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) induced gefitinib resistance of lung cancer harboring EGFR-activating mutations. Here, we investigated whether HGF induced resistance to the irreversible EGFR-TKI, CL-387,785, in lung cancer cells (H1975) harboring both L858R activating mutation and T790M secondary mutation in EGFR.
Experimental Design: CL-387,785 sensitivity and signal transduction in H1975 cells were examined in the presence or absence of HGF or HGF-producing fibroblasts with or without HGF-MET inhibitors.
Results: HGF reduced susceptibility to CL-387,785 in H1975 cells. Western blotting and small interfering RNA analyses indicated that HGF-induced hyposensitivity was mediated by the MET/phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway independent of EGFR, ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4. Hyposensitivity of H1975 cells to CL-387,785 was also induced by coculture with high-level HGF-producing lung fibroblasts. The hyposensitivity was abrogated by treatment with anti-HGF neutralizing antibody, HGF antagonist NK4, or MET-TKI.
Conclusions: We showed HGF-mediated hyposensitivity as a novel mechanism of resistance to irreversible EGFR-TKIs. It will be clinically valuable to investigate the involvement of HGF-MET–mediated signaling in de novo and acquired resistance to irreversible EGFR-TKIs in lung cancer harboring T790M mutation in EGFR. Clin Cancer Res; 16(1); 174–83
The Stress Process in Palliative Cancer Care: A Qualitative Study on Informal Caregiving and its Implication for the Delivery of Care
Authors: Brazil Kevin , Bainbridge Daryl , Rodriguez Christine 
Published: December 2009

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to examine how the comprehensive nature of the Stress Process Model could elucidate on the stressors associated with caring for a palliative cancer patient. Method: A qualitative research strategy involving home-based face-to-face interviews with 12 bereaved family caregivers was used to examine the caregiving experience. Results: The primary stressors associated with caring for the palliative cancer care patients stemmed from care recipient symptoms and personal care needs. The absence of adequate support from the formal health care delivery system was a consistent message from all participants. There was evidence of financial stress primarily associated with the purchase of private home care to supplement formal care. In contrast, the resources that family caregivers relied on to moderate the stressful effects of caregiving included extended family, friends, and neighbors. While the stress of direct caregiving was high, the study revealed that formal care was also a significant source of stress for family caregivers. Conclusion: It was concluded that an appropriately financed, integrated system of care that followed a person-centered philosophy of care would best meet the needs of the patient and his or her family.
Evidence of uneven selective pressure on different subsets of the conserved human genome; implications for the significance of intronic and intergenic DNA
Authors: Davidson Scott , Starkey Andrew , MacKenzie Alasdair 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background
Human genetic variation produces the wide range of phenotypic differences that make us individual. However, little is known about the distribution of variation in the most conserved functional regions of the human genome. We examined whether different subsets of the conserved human genome have been subjected to similar levels of selective constraint within the human population. We used set theory and high performance computing to carry out an analysis of the density of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) within the evolutionary conserved human genome, at three different selective stringencies, intersected with exonic, intronic and intergenic coordinates.

Results
We demonstrate that SNP density across the genome is significantly reduced in conserved human sequences. Unexpectedly, we further demonstrate that, despite being conserved to the same degree, SNP density differs significantly between conserved subsets. Thus, both the conserved exonic and intronic genomes contain a significantly reduced density of SNPs compared to the conserved intergenic component. Furthermore the intronic and exonic subsets contain almost identical densities of SNPs indicating that they have been constrained to the same degree.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest the presence of a selective linkage between the exonic and intronic subsets and ascribes increased significance to the role of introns in human health. In addition, the identification of increased plasticity within the conserved intergenic subset suggests an important role for this subset in the adaptation and diversification of the human population.
Plasma Membrane Expression of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptors: Regulation by Peptide and Nonpeptide Antagonists
Authors: Finch Ann R. , Caunt Christopher J. , Armstrong Stephen P. , McArdle Craig A. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractGonadotropin-releasing hormone acts via cell surface receptors but most human (h) GnRH receptors (GnRHRs) are intracellular. A membrane-permeant nonpeptide antagonist [(2S)-2-[5-[2-(2-axabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-yl)-1,1-dimethy-2-oxoethyl]-2-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]-N-(2-pyridin-4-ylethyl)propan-1-amine (IN3)] increases hGnRHR expression at the surface, apparently by facilitating its exit from the endoplasmic reticulum. Here we have quantified GnRHR by automated imaging in HeLa cells transduced with adenovirus expressing hemagglutinin-tagged GnRHR. Consistent with an intracellular site of action, IN3 increases cell surface hGnRHR, and this effect is not blocked or mimicked by membrane-impermeant peptide antagonists [Ac-D2Nal-D4Cpa-D3Pal-Ser-Tyr-d-Cit-Leu-Arg-Pro-d-Ala-NH2 (cetrorelix) and antide]. However, when the C-terminal tail of a Xenopus (X) GnRHR was added (h.XGnRHR) to increase expression, both peptides further increased cell surface GnRHR. Cetrorelix also synergized with IN3 to increase expression of hGnRHR and a G-protein coupling-deficient mutant (A261K-hGnRHR). Cetrorelix also increased cell surface expression of hGnRHR, h.XGnRHR, and mouse GnRHR in gonadotrope-lineage LβT2 cells, and in HeLa cells it slowed h.XGnRHR internalization (measured by receptor-mediated antihemagglutinin uptake). Thus cetrorelix has effects other than GnRHR blockade; it acts as an inverse agonist in internalization assays, supporting the potential importance of ligand-biased efficacy at GnRHR. We also developed an imaging assay for GnRH function based on Ca2+-dependent nuclear translocation of a nuclear factor of activated T cells reporter. Using this in HeLa and LβT2 cells, IN3 and cetrorelix behaved as competitive antagonists when coincubated with GnRH, and long-term pretreatment (16 h) with IN3 reduced its effectiveness as an inhibitor whereas pretreatment with cetrorelix increased its inhibitory effect. This distinction between peptide and nonpeptide antagonists may prove important for therapeutic applications of GnRH antagonists.
High Efficiency PPV-Based Polymer Light Emitting Diodes With
Cs2CO3 Cathode
Authors: Suhonen Riikka , Krause Ralf , Kozlowski Fryderyk , Sarfert Wiebke , Päetzold Ralph , Winnacker Albrecht 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe thin electron injection layers between the cathode and the light
emitting polymer layer in polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs) have been
shown to have a big impact on the final device performance. Usually, in
PLEDs low work function metals like Ba, Mg or Ca are used to reduce the
energy barrier between the cathode and the polymer thus providing a better
electron injection from the cathode. Also salts like LiF, NaF,
Cs2CO3 and CsF have recently been shown to function
as electron injection layers in light emitting devices. From these,
especially caesium carbonate (Cs2CO3) results into
high efficiency diodes both as a solution processed electron injection layer
in PLEDs, as well as an n-dopant in the electron transport layer in vacuum
deposited small molecule based OLEDs. The functional mechanism of Cs2CO3 as
a pure interlayer is not yet fully understood. The proposed mechanisms
include the n-doping of the organic layer with Cs2CO3,
the thermal decomposition of Cs2CO3 and following
formation of caesium metal or the formation of an n-doped CsO2
layer. In this study the phenomena resulting from the combination of a
hole-dominant alkoxy-phenyl-substituted poly(phenylene vinylene) (PPV) based
light emitting polymer with a highly efficient electron injection layer of
Cs2CO3 in light emitting diodes has been
investigated. As a result, diodes with about 35 % higher efficiency were
achieved with PPV-Cs2CO3 structure in comparison to
the traditional PPV-Ba structure. Additionally to the increased efficiency,
also the lifetime of the Cs2CO3-diodes is comparable
to the Ba-diodes implying that the long-term stability of the diodes is not
affected by the optimized Cs2CO3-cathode. The strong
increase in the electron injection of the Cs2CO3
diodes is apparently caused by a highly conductive, n-doped layer resulting
from the charge transfer reaction between Cs2CO3 and
PPV, where the magnitude of the reaction and resulting effects strongly
depend on the amount of the applied Cs2CO3. The
conclusion of the n-doped layer can be drawn from the LIV, impedance and
photoluminescence measurements of the diodes with Ba and
Cs2CO3 cathodes before, during and after electrical
stressing.
Surface Energetics of Nanocrystalline YSZ Powders
Authors: Costa Gustavo C. C. , Ushakov Sergey V. , Navrotsky Alexandra , Muccillo Reginaldo 
Published: December 2009

AbstractNanocrystalline 8 and 12 mol % yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) powders with fluorite-type structure were synthesized by a precipitation method. Powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, and nitrogen adsorption analyses. Precipitation produced amorphous powder which crystallized at approximately 450-470 °C into a cubic phase with a crystallization enthalpy ranging from 13.7 ± 0.6 kJ/mol for 8YSZ to 11.7 ± 0.5 kJ/mol for 12YSZ. Integral heat of water adsorption at room temperature measured on 8YSZ was -63 ± 2 kJ/mol for coverage 4.1 ± 0.1H2O/nm2. Drop solution calorimetry experiments were performed in a custom made Calvet twin calorimeter using sodium molybdate 3Na2O 4MoO3 solvent. The preliminary values for surface enthalpies of hydrated surfaces are 0.8 ± 0.1 J/m2 for 8YSZ and 1.3 ± 0.1 J/m2 for 12YSZ.
pH and Biological Sensing of Ultrathin (10nm) InN Based ISFETs
Authors: Lu Yen-Sheng , Lin Cheng-Yi , Chang Yuh-Hwa , Hong Yu-Liang , Gwo Shangjr , Yeh J.A 
Published: December 2009

AbstractUltrathin (∼10 nm) InN ion selective field effect transistors (ISFETs) show a current variation ratio of 3.5 % per pH decade with a response time of less than 10 s. When the ISFET is employed as an electrolyte FET, the current variation of 18 % was measured as the gate bias changes from zero to 0.3 V given a drain-source voltage of 0.1 V. The high current (resistance) variation ratio is attributed to the ultrathin epilayer and an unusual phenomenon of intrinsic strong electron accumulation on InN surface, which enables a chemical/biological sensor with high sensitivity and resolution and permits detection of a slight concentration variation of the electrolyte. The pH response measurement of 10-nm-thick InN ISFETs investigated was performed in an aqueous solution titrated with diluted NaOH and HCl. The Helmholtz potential built at the electrolyte-InN interface is governed by direct adsorption of H+ ions at the surface metal oxides, modulating the channel current of the InN ISFETs. The channel current monotonically decreases as the pH value of an aqueous solution increases from 2 to 10. The sensitivity and resolution were found to be 58.3 mV per decade and 0.02 pH change, respectively. Besides, the detection of DNA hybridization was further performed after the InN surface was modified with MPTMS and probe DNA. A complementary target DNA solution of 100 nM led to a current decrease of approximate 6 uA, corresponding to the current variation of 0.74 %. The hybridization between negatively charged complementary DNA and the immobilized probe DNA caused the depletion of carriers at the InN surface, suppressing the channel current. The functionalized InN ISFETs are suitable for genetic analysis in clinical diagnostics without any labeling reagent. Such an InN-based sensor is appealing in the regime of chemical and biological sensing applications.
Biocompatibility Assessment of SiC Surfaces After Functionalization with Self Assembled Organic Monolayers
Authors: Oliveros Alexandra , Schoell Sebastian J. , Frewin Christopher , Hoeb Marco , Stutzmann Martin , Sharp Ian D. , Saddow Stephen E. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe biocompatibility of 6H-SiC (0001) surfaces was increased by more than a factor of six through the covalent grafting of NH2 terminated self-assembled monolayers (SAM) using APDEMS and APTES molecules. Surface functionalization began with a hydroxyl, OH, surface termination. The study included two NH2 terminated surfaces obtained through silanization with APDEMS (aminopropyldiethoxymethylsilane) and APTES (aminopropyltriethoxysilane) molecules (hydrophilic surfaces) and a CH3 terminated surface produced via alkylation with 1-octadecene (hydrophobic surface). H4 human neuroglioma and PC12 rat pheochromocytoma cells were seeded on the functionalized surfaces and the cell morphology was evaluated with atomic force microscopy (AFM). In addition, 96 hour MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays were employed to evaluate the cell viability on the SAM modified samples. The biocompatibility was enhanced with a 2 fold (171-240%) increase with 1-octadecene, 3-6 fold (320-670%) increase with APDEMS and 5-8 fold (476-850%) increase with APTES with respect to untreated 6H-SiC surfaces.