bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Political Determinants of the Cost of Equity: Evidence from Newly Privatized Firms
Authors: BEN‐NASR HAMDI , BOUBAKRI NARJESS , COSSET JEAN‐CLAUDE 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT In this paper, we investigate the political determinants of the cost of equity using a unique data set of 236 firms privatized between 1987 and 2006 in 38 countries. We find robust evidence that the cost of equity is increasing in government ownership. We also show that the cost of equity is significantly related to political orientation and the extent of government expropriation. Furthermore, we report a less pronounced effect of state ownership on the cost of equity in more populist governments and in more financially developed countries, in addition to a more pronounced effect of state ownership on the cost of equity when the risk of government expropriation is higher. Results from an event study examining the replacement of left‐wing governments by right‐wing governments suggest a lower cost of equity in more financially developed countries and a higher cost of equity in more autocratic countries and in countries with a high risk of government expropriation. Finally, we find that chief executive turnover is associated with a higher cost of equity in more autocratic countries.
Loss of claudin‐1 in lipopolysaccharide‐treated periodontal epithelium
Authors: Fujita T. , Firth J. D. , Kittaka M. , Ekuni D. , Kurihara H. , Putnins E. E. 
Published: November 2011

Fujita T, Firth JD, Kittaka M, Ekuni D, Kurihara H, Putnins EE. Loss of claudin‐1 in lipopolysaccharide‐treated periodontal epithelium. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 222–227. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/SBackground and Objective:  The epithelial barrier is a critical component of innate immunity and provides protection against microbial invasion. Claudin‐1, a tight junction protein, is known to contribute to the epithelial cell barrier. An experimentally induced rat periodontal disease model was used to study the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the expression of tight junction‐associated molecule genes in the junctional epithelium.Material and Methods:  LPS was applied for 8 wk in the gingival sulcus, and junctional epithelium was collected by laser‐capture microdissection and subjected to microarray analysis.Results:  Microarray analysis identified that expression of the claudin‐1 gene was decreased in the epithelium by chronic LPS challenge. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the expression of claudin‐1 protein in junctional epithelium and that 8 wk of chronic LPS topical application significantly reduced claudin‐1 expression. The effect of LPS on claudin‐1 protein expression was validated using a porcine junctional epithelial cell culture Transwell model. The epithelial barrier, as measured using transmembrane resistance, was significantly reduced after 3 wk of LPS challenge and this was associated with a decreased level of expression of claudin‐1 protein.Conclusion:  These results confirm that the initiation of experimental periodontal disease is associated with reduction in the expression of claudin‐1 gene and protein. This decreased level of a critical tight junction protein may result in the disruption of barrier function and may play an important role in the initiation of periodontal disease.
Oral malodorous compound causes caspase‐8 and ‐9 mediated programmed cell death in osteoblasts
Authors: Aoyama I. , Calenic B. , Imai T. , Ii H. , Yaegaki K. 
Published: November 2011

Aoyama I, Calenic B, Imai T, Ii H, Yaegaki K. Oral malodorous compound causes caspase‐8 and ‐9 mediated programmed cell death in osteoblasts. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 365–373. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/SBackground and Objective:  Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is one of two volatile sulfur compounds that are known to be the main cause of oral malodor; the other is methyl mercaptan. Other known volatiles existing in mouth air do not contribute significantly to oral malodor originating in the oral cavity. Hydrogen sulfide is also known to be an etiological factor in periodontal disease. However, the effects of H2S on alveolar bone remain unclear. The objectives of this study were to determine the apoptotic effects of H2S on osteoblasts and to verify the apoptotic molecular pathways.Material and Methods:  A clonal murine calvaria cell line was incubated with 50 ng/mL of H2S. To detect apoptosis, the cells were analysed by flow cytometry and ELISA. Mitochondrial membrane depolarization was assessed using flow cytometry as well. ELISA was used to evaluate the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol and to assess Fas ligand, p53, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin IL1‐α IL‐β, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐10, interferon‐γ, granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor and granulocyte‐macrophage colony stimulating factor. Caspase‐3, ‐8 and ‐9 activities were estimated. Expression of BAX and Bcl‐2 was assessed by real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR. DNA fragmentation was detected by single‐cell gel electrophoresis. Fas receptors were evaluated by western blotting.Results:  After H2S incubation, apoptotic levels increased significantly in a time‐dependent manner. Mitochondrial membrane depolarization, the release of cytochrome c, p53 and caspase‐3, ‐8 and ‐9 and DNA fragmentation were all significantly greater. BAX gene activity was upregulated, whereas Bcl‐2 remained low. Fas ligand/Fas receptor, tumor necrosis factor α and other cytokines were not increased to a significant degree.Conclusion:  At less‐than‐pathological concentrations in gingival crevicular fluid, H2S induces apoptosis in osteoblasts. The molecular mechanisms underlying the apoptotic process include p53, a mitochondrial pathway and caspase‐8 activation.
Vegetation recovery of gypsum quarries: short‐term sowing response to different soil treatments
Authors: Ballesteros Miguel , Cañadas Eva M. , Foronda Ana , Fernández‐Ondoño Emilia , Peñas Julio , Lorite Juan 
Published: November 2011

AbstractQuestionHow does the sowing of native species under different soil treatments contribute to the recovery of gypsum habitats affected by quarrying in Mediterranean environments?LocationMediterranean gypsum outcrops in Granada (SE Spain; 37º2′ N, 3º45′ W).MethodsWe conducted an experimental sowing of native perennial species from gypsum habitats (both gypsophiles and gypsovags) considering two factors: bedding materials and surface treatments. For bedding material we used: gypsum spoil, topsoil addition on gypsum spoil, raw gypsum and topsoil removal. The surface treatments were: control, sowing, sowing plus organic matter and sowing plus an organic blanket. There were five replicates per combination treatment (80 plots in total, of 25 m2 each). The sowing was performed in Nov 2009. All subplots were monitored to estimate density, richness, survival, growth of seedlings and herbaceous biomass, in two monitoring periods (Jul and Oct).ResultsNo gypsophiles or gypsovags were found in the control plots (no sowing or surface treatment), and therefore natural succession proved ineffective in the first year. In contrast, sowing was very satisfactory, especially on gypsum spoil, where mean density was of more than 15 individuals m−2. This result is noteworthy as this material remains after the end of gypsum mining activity. Spreading topsoil over gypsum spoil proved to be no more positive, since it provided not only seeds of target species but also of competitor species. Also, with regard to herbaceous species, this treatment produced a highly significant increase of biomass. The organic blanket increased plant density, whereas the addition of organic matter had significant positive effects on survival and growth of the seedlings. The global high survival rate is remarkable, especially for the gypsum spoil treatment.ConclusionsWe highlight the importance of implementing recovery measures in gypsum habitats. An appropriate selection of seed mixture and density, as well as the use of gypsum spoil (the most favourable bedding material, according the results), is sufficient to ensure presence of the key species. Both technical solutions tested, organic blanket installation and organic matter addition, improved the results in terms of density, survival and growth of the seedlings.
Short‐term changes caused by fire and mowing in Brazilian Campos grasslands with different long‐term fire histories
Authors: Fidelis Alessandra , Blanco Carolina C. , Müller Sandra C. , Pillar Valério D. , Pfadenhauer Jörg 
Published: November 2011

AbstractQuestionsWhat are the main short‐term changes in vegetation structure after fire and mowing in Campos grasslands? Are there differences in functional vegetation group responses between sites with diverse fire histories and different treatments (fire and mowing)?LocationSubtropical grasslands in Porto Alegre, Brazil, 30 °03′ S, 51 °07′ W.MethodsIn two sites with different fire histories: FB – frequently burned grasslands and E – exclusion of fire for 6 yr, seven pairs of plots were examined. In each pair, fire and mowing treatments were established. Bare soil and litter cover were estimated. Vegetation relevés were conducted, plants identified, their cover estimated and stems counted (except for graminoids). Later, plants were grouped according to their functional group (graminoids, forbs and shrubs) for statistical analyses. Observations were conducted 30, 90 and 360 d after treatments.ResultsBurned plots always showed a higher percentage of bare soil, whilst mowed plots had higher litter cover. Fire enhanced graminoid and forb cover, but did not affect shrubs. Species turnover was very high, mainly in burned plots in site FB and in mowed plots in site E. Species diversity in burned plots was the same in sites FB and E 1 yr after treatments, contrary to our hypothesis. However, in mowed plots, the number of species tended to decrease 1 yr after treatments for both sites FB and E.ConclusionsThe most important short‐term effect was the removal of litter and consequent opening of gaps, mostly by fire. This stimulated vegetation regeneration and provided microsites for the establishment of new species. However, fire did not enhance plant diversity, as we had hypothesized. Moreover, the disturbance history of sites should be considered, since vegetation in these sites responded differently to fire and mowing.
Identification of two new phylogenetically distant phytoplasmas from Senna surattensis plants exhibiting stem fasciation and shoot proliferation symptoms
Authors: Wu W. , Cai H. , Wei W. , Davis R.E. , Lee I.‐M. , Chen H. , Zhao Y. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractSunshine trees (Senna surattensis) exhibiting unusual stem fasciation symptoms were observed in Yunnan, China. Morphological abnormalities of the affected plants included enlargement and flattening of stems and excessive proliferation of shoots. An electron microscopic investigation revealed presence of single membrane bound mycoplasma‐like bodies in sieve elements of symptomatic plants. With DNA templates extracted from diseased plants and phytoplasma universal primers P1/P7 and P1A/R16S‐SR, nested polymerase chain reactions produced amplicons of 1.5 kb. Subsequent restriction fragment polymorphism and nucleotide sequence analyses of the amplicons indicated that the diseased plants were infected by distinct phytoplasmas affiliated with two phylogenetically distant taxa classified in two 16Sr groups (16SrXII and 16SrV). This is the first report that sunshine tree is a natural host of two evolutionarily divergent phytoplasmas and the first report that a ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma australiense’‐related strain is present in China. The findings signal a significant expansion of both geographical distribution and host range of 16SrXII and 16SrV phytoplasmas.
The Impact of Annual and Seasonal Rainfall Patterns on Growth and Phenology of Emergent Tree Species in Southeastern Amazonia, Brazil
Authors: Grogan James , Schulze Mark 
Published: November 2011

AbstractUnderstanding tree growth in response to rainfall distribution is critical to predicting forest and species population responses to climate change. We investigated inter‐annual and seasonal variation in stem diameter by three emergent tree species in a seasonally dry tropical forest in southeast Pará, Brazil. Annual diameter growth rates bySwietenia macrophyllademonstrated strong positive correlation with annual rainfall totals during 1997–2009;Hymenaea courbarilgrowth rates demonstrated weak positive correlation, whereasParkia pendulaexhibited weak negative correlation. For bothSwieteniaandHymenaea, annual diameter growth rates correlated positively and significantly with rainfall totals during the first 6 mo of the growing year (July to December). Vernier dendrometer bands monitored at 4‐wk intervals during 3–5 yr confirmed strong seasonal effects on stem diameter expansion. Individuals of all three species expanded in unison during wet season months and were static or even contracted during dry season months. Stems of the deciduousSwieteniacontracted as crowns were shed during the early dry season, expanded slightly as new crowns were flushed, and then contracted further during 3–5 wk flowering periods in the late dry season by newly mature crowns. The three species’ physiographic distribution patterns at the study site may partially underlie observed differences in annual and seasonal growth. With most global circulation models predicting conditions becoming gradually drier in southeast Amazonia over the coming decades, species such asSwieteniathat perform best on the ‘wet end’ of current conditions may experience reduced growth rates. However, population viability will not necessarily be threatened if life history and ecophysiological responses to changing conditions are compensatory.
Cocaine‐related oronasal communication and hard palate destruction
Authors: Silvestre Francisco Javier , Salort‐Llorca Cesar , Mínguez‐Serra Maria Paz , Silvestre‐Rangil Javier 
Published: November 2011

AbstractFour cases of midpalatal perforation in cocaine abusers are presented. Other potential etiological processes are discussed to establish an adequate differential diagnosis. These patients were treated at our department, due to the drawback promoted by the establishment of oronasal communication that was provided after an accurate diagnosis. Histopathological evaluation of the lesion margins were conducted in two of the four cases, and yielded no evidence of vasculitis or active cocaine abuse. Therapeutic approach consisted of reconstructive surgeries and/or sealing prostheses. Histological assessment of oronasal communication margins could be useful in establishing the persistence of active addiction, and also as a complementary tool for planning possible treatment.
Heterogeneous patterns of availability for detection during visual surveys: spatiotemporal variation in sea turtle dive–surfacing behaviour on a feeding ground
Authors: Thomson Jordan A. , Cooper Andrew B. , Burkholder Derek A. , Heithaus Michael R. , Dill Lawrence M. 
Published: November 2011

Summary1. During aerial or boat‐based surveys for large‐bodied diving taxa (e.g. marine mammals and marine turtles), a proportion of animals present will be missed because they are submerged and out of view, leading to ‘availability bias’ in abundance indices. Information on dive–surfacing patterns can improve corrections for availability bias. However, as dive data are typically limited, availability correction factors are often based on poorly resolved dive and surface times, and diving heterogeneity is not considered.2. We collected dive records for green turtlesChelonia mydas,Linnaeus 1758, and loggerhead turtlesCaretta caretta, Linnaeus 1758, on a foraging ground in Shark Bay, Western Australia to quantify dive–surfacing patterns and assess potential correlations with easily measured environmental features: habitat depth and water temperature. Bayesian regression models were used to predict dive and surface interval durations across temperature–depth gradients and assess their uncertainty. We used these predictions to quantify variation in availability correction factors, which were multipliers designed, in this case, to adjust surface sightings data to incorporate diving animals.3. Dive and surface interval durations for both species varied positively with depth and negatively with temperature, consistent witha prioriexpectations, although temperature effects were not always significant. Dive metrics were predictable, although uncertainty increased in deeper habitat with few observed dives.4. Availability correction factors were highly heterogeneous, with larger corrections necessary in colder, deeper conditions (long‐diving, infrequent surfacing behaviour) and smaller corrections required in warmer, shallower conditions (short‐diving, frequent‐surfacing behaviour).5. Predictable variation in the diving behaviour of chelonid sea turtles across environmental gradients on a foraging ground reveals that site‐specific knowledge of dive–surfacing patterns can be important to mitigate the effects of availability bias during population surveys. Accounting for such trends may improve the reliability of ecological inferences (e.g. spatiotemporal distribution trends) and the efficacy of applications (e.g. conservation planning) based on survey data.
Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution profile of icariin propylene glycol-liposome intraperitoneal injection in mice
Authors: Yang Wei , Yu Xi-Chong , Chen Xing-Yan , Zhang Lu , Lu Cui-Tao , Zhao Ying-Zheng 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Objectives
The pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of icariin propylene glycol-liposome suspension (ICA-PG-liposomes) have been investigated.

Methods
ICA-PG-liposomes or ICA-PG-solution were prepared and intraperitoneally injected to mice. Morphology and size distribution of ICA-PG-liposomes were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and laser particle sizer. Plasma and tissues were collected at different times after intraperitoneal injection and icariin concentrations were determined by HPLC.

Key findings
From TEM, ICA-PG-liposomes showed spherical vesicles with a mean particle size of 182.4 nm. The encapsulation efficiency of ICA-PG-liposomes reached 92.6%. Pharmacokinetics of ICA-PG-liposomes displayed the three open compartments model. ICA-PG-liposomes enhanced icariin absorption from the abdominal cavity, prolonged mean retention time (MRT(0-t)), increased area under curve (AUC(0-t)) and maximum concentration in plasma. Compared with ICA-PG-solution, ICA-PG-liposomes resulted in larger amounts of icariin being distributed into spleen (60.38% total icariin), liver (16.68%), lung (6.21%), kidney (4.64%), heart (1.43%) and brain (1.83%). AUC(0-t) values in most tissues (except lung) of mice administered ICA-PG-liposomes were higher than those administered ICA-PG-solution, while Clearance in most tissues (except brain and lung) decreased. The MRT(0-t) values of ICA-PG-liposomes in all tissues and half lives of most tissues (except brain) were prolonged. From Targeted efficiency and relative uptake data, the spleen was the target tissue of the ICA-PG-liposomes.

Conclusions
ICA-PG-liposomes changed the pharmacokinetic behaviour and enhanced icariin distribution in tissues. With nanometer size, high encapsulation efficiency and improved pharmacokinetics, ICA-PG-liposomes might be developed as promising carriers for icariin injection.
Comparison of sildenafil with strontium fructose diphosphate in improving erectile dysfunction against upregulated cavernosal NADPH oxidase, protein kinase Cε, and endothelin system in diabetic rats
Authors: Xu Ming , Tang Yi-Qun , Dai De-Zai , Zheng Yu-Feng , Cheng Yu-Si , Zhang Qi , Dai Yin 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Objectives
Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are potent in relieving erectile dysfunction (ED), however, they are less satisfactory in diabetic patients, probably due to the pro-inflammatory biomarkers caused by diabetes. Therefore, it was interesting to compare the effects of sildenafil with strontium fructose 1,6-diphosphate (FDP-Sr) on cavernosal vascular activity and expressions of pro-inflammatory biomarkers in diabetic rats.

Methods
Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with streptozocin (60 mg/kg, i.p.) to develop diabetes. The animals were diabetic for eight weeks with sildenafil (12 mg/kg per day) or FDP-Sr (200 mg/kg per day) being administered for the last four of those eight weeks.

Key findings
Sildenafil was more effective in relieving reduced vascular dilatation (relevant to ED), but less in attenuating over-expressions of NADPH oxidase p22, p47 and p67 subunits, and ETA/BR (endothelin receptor type A and type B) in the diabetic cavernosum. In contrast, FDP-Sr was less effective in improving ED, but more effective in normalizing the abnormal NADPH oxidase and ETA/BR.

Conclusions
The activated NADPH oxidase and upregulated ETAR and ETBR due to diabetic lesions played a minor or moderate role in ED. By offering extra ATP, FPD-Sr suppressed these abnormalities, however, sildenafil did not. A combined therapy of sildenafil with FDP-Sr may be more effective in relieving ED in diabetic patients through normalizing pro-inflammatory cytokines and improving the nitric oxide/cGMP pathway in the cavernosum.
Solvation in hydrofluoroalkanes: how can ethanol help?
Authors: Conti Denise S , Grashik Jordan , Yang Lin , Wu Libo , da Rocha Sandro R P 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Objectives
The goal of this work was to evaluate the ability of ethanol mixed with hydrofluoroalkanes (HFAs) to improve solvation of moieties of relevance to pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs).

Methods
Chemical force microscopy was used to measure the adhesion force (Fad) between alkyl-based, ether-based and ester-based moieties (C8/C8, COC/COC and COOC/COOC interactions) in 2H,3H-perfluoropentane (HPFP)/ethanol mixtures. HPFP is a liquid that mimics propellant HFAs. The Fad results are thus a measure of solvation in HFAs. Johnson–Kendall–Roberts (JKR) theory was used to model the results.

Key findings
The Fad normalized by the tip radius of curvature (Fad/R) decreased upon the addition of ethanol, suggesting its ability to enhance the solvent environment. At 15% (v/v) ethanol, the Fad/R was reduced 34% for the alkyl, 63% for the ether, and down 67% for the ester tails. Thus, the solvation could be ranked as: ester &gt; ether &gt; alkyl. JKR theory was a reasonable model for the Fad/R.

Conclusions
Ethanol, within the concentration range of interest in commercial pMDIs, provided limited enhancement in solvation of alkyl moieties. On the other hand, the cosolvent significantly enhanced solvation of ether-based and ester-based moieties, thus suggesting its potential for formulations containing amphiphiles with such groups.
NSAIDs: take with food or after fasting?
Authors: Rainsford Kim D , Bjarnason Ingvar 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Objective
Published and regulatory advice is to take NSAIDs with fluids and/or food irrespective whether NSAIDs are taken over the counter or long-term. The basis for this recommendation is not clear and we sought to establish the reasons for it through a search of published literature and personal files.

Results
Results from experimental animals show that fasting increases the gastric side effects of NSAIDs while food increases small bowel damage, but this has not been tested in humans. The possible effects of food in modifying the gastric damage caused by NSAIDs are complex, as food quantity and composition modify the responses substantially. Food usually delays peak levels of NSAIDs (and hence onset of action) without affecting total bioavailability. This may not be important when a steady state is achieved, but rapid onset of action is highly relevant for over-the-counter use of NSAIDs. The safety of over-the-counter use of ibuprofen and naproxen appears to be excellent and comparable with paracetamol.

Conclusion
The rapid onset of action of NSAIDs is most important during over-the-counter use, in which case it may be more appropriate to take the drugs on a fasting stomach.