bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decreased viability and absence‐like epilepsy in mice lacking or deficient in the GABAA receptor α1 subunit
Authors: Arain Fazal M. , Boyd Kelli L. , Gallagher Martin J. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryAutosomal dominant mutations S326fs328X and A322D in the GABAA receptor α1 subunit are associated with human absence epilepsy and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, respectively. Because these mutations substantially reduce α1 subunit protein expression in vitro, it was hypothesized that they produce epilepsy by causing α1 subunit haploinsufficiency. However, in a mixed background strain of mice, α1 subunit deletion does not reduce viability or cause visually apparent seizures; the effects of α1 subunit deletion on electroencephalography (EEG) waveforms were not investigated. Here, we determined the effects of α1 subunit loss on viability, EEG spike‐wave discharges and seizures in congenic C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice. Deletion of α1 subunit caused strain‐ and sex‐dependent reductions in viability. Heterozygous mice experienced EEG discharges and absence‐like seizures within both background strains, and exhibited a sex‐dependent effect on the discharges and viability in the C57BL/6J strain. These findings suggest that α1 subunit haploinsufficiency can produce epilepsy and may be a major mechanism by which the S326fs328X and A322D mutations cause these epilepsy syndromes.
Pricing Mortality Securities With Correlated Mortality Indexes
Authors: Lin Yijia , Liu Sheen , Yu Jifeng 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTThis article proposes a stochastic model, which captures mortality correlations across countries and common mortality shocks, for analyzing catastrophe mortality contingent claims. To estimate our model, we apply particle filtering, a general technique that has wide applications in non‐Gaussian and multivariate jump‐diffusion models and models with nonanalytic observation equations. In addition, we illustrate how to price mortality securities with normalized multivariate exponential titling based on the estimated mortality correlations and jump parameters. Our results show the significance of modeling mortality correlations and transient jumps in mortality security pricing.
Uncertainty about Government Policy and Stock Prices
Authors: PÁSTOR L̆UBOS̆ , VERONESI PIETRO 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTWe analyze how changes in government policy affect stock prices. Our general equilibrium model features uncertainty about government policy and a government whose decisions have both economic and noneconomic motives. The model makes numerous empirical predictions. Stock prices should fall at the announcement of a policy change, on average. The price decline should be large if uncertainty about government policy is large, and also if the policy change is preceded by a short or shallow economic downturn. Policy changes should increase volatilities and correlations among stocks. The jump risk premium associated with policy decisions should be positive, on average.
Why Are U.S. Stocks More Volatile?
Authors: BARTRAM SÖHNKE M. , BROWN GREGORY , STULZ RENÉ M. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTU.S. stocks are more volatile than stocks of similar foreign firms. A firm's stock return volatility can be higher for reasons that contribute positively (good volatility) or negatively (bad volatility) to shareholder wealth and economic growth. We find that the volatility of U.S. firms is higher mostly because of good volatility. Specifically, stock volatility is higher in the United States because it increases with investor protection, stock market development, new patents, and firm‐level investment in R&D. Each of these factors is related to better growth opportunities for firms and better ability to take advantage of these opportunities.
Mutual Fund Tax Clienteles
Authors: SIALM CLEMENS , STARKS LAURA 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTMutual funds are held by investors in taxable and tax‐qualified retirement accounts. We investigate whether the characteristics, investment strategies, and performance of mutual funds held by these diverse tax clienteles differ. Examining both mutual fund distributions and mutual fund holdings, we find that funds held primarily by taxable investors choose investment strategies that result in lower tax burdens than funds held primarily in tax‐qualified accounts. Despite these differences, we find no evidence that any investment constraints that may arise from these tax‐efficient investment strategies result in performance differences between funds held by different tax clienteles.
Are Overconfident CEOs Better Innovators?
Authors: HIRSHLEIFER DAVID , LOW ANGIE , TEOH SIEW HONG 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTPrevious empirical work on adverse consequences of CEO overconfidence raises the question of why firms hire overconfident managers. Theoretical research suggests a reason: overconfidence can benefit shareholders by increasing investment in risky projects. Using options‐ and press‐based proxies for CEO overconfidence, we find that over the 1993–2003 period, firms with overconfident CEOs have greater return volatility, invest more in innovation, obtain more patents and patent citations, and achieve greater innovative success for given research and development expenditures. However, overconfident managers achieve greater innovation only in innovative industries. Our findings suggest that overconfidence helps CEOs exploit innovative growth opportunities.
Value of Dynamic Substrate Mapping to Identify the Critical Diastolic Pathway in Postoperative Ventricular Reentrant Tachycardias After Surgical Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: SCHNEIDER HEIKE E. , SCHILL MANFRED , KRIEBEL THOMAS , PAUL THOMAS 
Published: July 2012

Characterization of the Critical Isthmus in VT in TOF. Introduction: The complexity of postoperative ventricular reentrant tachycardias may limit success of catheter ablation. The objective of this analysis was to compare the usefulness of dynamic substrate mapping (DSM) versus color‐coded isopotential mapping of the noncontact mapping system for the identification of the critical diastolic pathway of postoperative ventricular reentrant tachycardias (VT) after surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF).
Methods:
Postoperative VT had been studied applying isopotential maps with the noncontact mapping system EnSite in 7 patients, and radiofrequency current lesion lines had been applied across the shortest isthmus to target during sinus rhythm. Data of the noncontact mapping system were reanalyzed applying the DSM algorithm. For DSM, a 2‐Hz filter and color settings between 0 mV and 50% of peak negative voltage (PNV) with autofocus turned off were used. DSM was initially applied over the QRS complex duration during sinus rhythm. Abnormal myocardium was defined as <35–40% of PNV. DSM was subsequently applied to ventricular diastole during the final 33% of VT cycle length. Areas with >70% of PNV within this time frame were to identify the critical diastolic pathway.
Results:
Applying DSM, the critical diastolic pathway of the VT was identified in all 7 patients that corresponded to the regions targeted for ablation.
Conclusion:
By focusing the time reference to electrical diastole, when the VT wavefront is moving through the low‐voltage area, the region of greatest relative voltage could be highlighted, which corresponded to the diastolic pathway. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 930‐937, September 2012)
Physical activity and self‐reported symptoms of insomnia, restless legs syndrome, and depression: The comprehensive dialysis study
Authors: Anand Shuchi , Johansen Kirsten L. , Grimes Barbara , Kaysen George A. , Dalrymple Lorien S. , Kutner Nancy G. , Chertow Glenn M. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractSymptoms of sleep and mood disturbances are common among patients on dialysis and are associated with significant decrements in survival and health‐related quality of life. We used data from the Comprehensive Dialysis Study (CDS) to examine the association of self‐reported physical activity with self‐reported symptoms of insomnia, restless legs syndrome (RLS), and depression in patients new to dialysis. The CDS collected data on physical activity, functional status, and health‐related quality of life from 1678 patients on either peritoneal (n = 169) or hemodialysis (n = 1509). The Human Activity Profile was used to measure self‐reported physical activity. Symptoms were elicited in the following manner: insomnia using three questions designed to capture difficulty in initiating or maintaining sleep, RLS using three questions based on the National Institutes of Health workshop, and depression using the two‐item Patient Health Questionnaire. We obtained data on symptoms of insomnia and depression for 1636, and on symptoms of RLS for 1622 (>98%) patients. Of these, 863 (53%) reported one of three insomnia symptoms as occurring at a persistent frequency. Symptoms of RLS and depression occurred in 477 (29%) and 451 (28%) of patients, respectively. The Adjusted Activity Score of the Human Activity Profile was inversely correlated with all three conditions in models adjusting for demographics, comorbid conditions, and laboratory variables. Sleep and mood disturbances were commonly reported in our large, diverse cohort of patients new to dialysis. Patients who reported lower levels of physical activity were more likely to report symptoms of insomnia, RLS, and depression.
Contact allergy to local anaesthetics–value of patch testing with a caine mix in the baseline series
Authors: Brinca Ana , Cabral Rita , Gonçalo Margarida 
Published: July 2012

Background Contact allergy to local anaesthetics is relatively common. Patch testing with benzocaine in the European baseline series is recommended for diagnosis, even though a caine mix has been previously suggested to be superior.Objectives To assess the frequency and patterns of contact allergy to local anaesthetics by using a caine mix (benzocaine, tetracaine, and cinchocaine) in the baseline series, and evaluate its efficiency as compared with benzocaine alone.Methods We reviewed the results of 2736 patch tests performed between 2000 and 2010, identifying patients with positive reactions to caine mix or to one of seven local anaesthetics.Results One hundred and twelve patients (4.1%) had at least one allergic reaction to local anaesthetics; 86 were tested with all seven local anaesthetics, resulting in 71 reactions in 53 patients. Cinchocaine gave the most reactions (50.7%); these occurred as a single reaction in 83.3% of patients, mostly with current or past relevance (97%). Benzocaine represented 22.5% of reactions, many of which were non‐relevant (44%) or resulting from cross‐reactions with para‐compounds.Conclusions Almost 70% of allergic reactions to local anaesthetics would have been missed if benzocaine had been used as a screening allergen. This study supports a recommendation to replace benzocaine with a caine mix containing cinchocaine in the baseline patch test series.
Comparison of CCL28, interleukin‐8, interleukin‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha in subjects with gingivitis, chronic periodontitis and generalized aggressive periodontitis
Authors: Ertugrul A. S. , Sahin H. , Dikilitas A. , Alpaslan N. , Bozoglan A. 
Published: July 2012

Background and Objective:  Cytokines produced by various cells are strong local mediators of inflammation. Mucosa‐associated epithelial chemokine (CCL28), interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β) and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) are major cytokines that play important roles in the periodontal inflammatory process. In this study we aimed to compare the levels of CCL28, IL‐8, IL‐1β and TNF‐α in the gingival crevicular fluid of both periodontally healthy subjects and in subjects diagnosed with gingivitis, chronic periodontitis and generalized aggressive periodontitis.Material and Methods:  A total of 84 subjects participated in the study: 21 subjects had gingivitis, 21 subjects had chronic periodontitis, 21 subjects had generalized aggressive periodontitis and 21 were periodontally healthy. The levels of CCL28, IL‐8, IL‐1β and TNF‐α were analyzed using enzyme‐linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA).Results:  The total levels of CCL28 and IL‐8 in the gingival crevicular fluid of the generalized aggressive periodontitis group (324.74 ± 42.62 pg/30 s, 487.62 ± 49.21 pg/30 s) were significantly higher than those of the chronic periodontitis group (268.81 ± 28.64 pg/30 s, 423.65 ± 35.24 pg/30 s), the gingivitis group (146.35 ± 17.46 pg/30 s, 310.24 ± 48.20 pg/30 s) and the periodontally healthy group (92.46 ± 22.04 pg/30 s, 148.41 ± 24.64 pg/30 s). Similarly, the total levels of IL‐1β and TNF‐α in the generalized aggressive periodontitis group (110.23 ± 9.20 pg/30 s, 1284.46 ± 86.32 pg/30 s) were significantly higher than those in the chronic periodontitis group (423.65 ± 35.24 pg/30 s, 82.64 ± 9.12 pg/30 s), the gingivitis group (52.10 ± 7.15 pg/30 s, 824.24 ± 44.68 pg/30 s) and the periodontally healthy group (36.44 ± 8.86 pg/30 s, 628.26 ± 34.61 pg/30 s).Conclusion:  CCL28, IL‐8, IL‐1β and TNF‐α may play key roles in the host response to inflammation in periodontal diseases. As the severity of periodontal diseases increases, destruction of periodontal tissues also increases. Inflammation is one among many factors that trigger periodontal tissue destruction. Identification of the mediators that influence the development and progression of inflammation in periodontal diseases may be very important in understanding the prognoses of periodontal diseases.
Closeness and separation in neonatal intensive care
Authors: Flacking Renée , Lehtonen Liisa , Thomson Gill , Axelin Anna , Ahlqvist Sari , Moran Victoria Hall , Ewald Uwe , Dykes Fiona ,   the SCENE group
Published: July 2012

AbstractIn this paper, we highlight the need for acknowledging the importance and impact of both physical and emotional closeness between the preterm infant and parent in the neonatal intensive care unit. Physical closeness refers to being spatially close and emotional closeness to parental feelings of being emotionally connected to the infant (experiencing feelings of love, warmth and affection). Through consideration of the literature in this area, we outline some of the reasons why physical closeness and emotional closeness are crucial to the physical, emotional and social well‐being of both the infant and the parent. These include positive effects on infant brain development, parent psychological well‐being and on the parent–infant relationship. The influence of the neonatal unit environment and culture on physical and emotional closeness is also discussed.Conclusions:  Culturally sensitive care practices, procedures and the physical environment need to be considered to facilitate parent–infant closeness, such as through early and prolonged skin‐to‐skin contact, family‐centred care, increased visiting hours, family rooms and optimization of the space on the units. Further research is required to explore factors that facilitate both physical and emotional closeness to ensure that parent–infant closeness is a priority within neonatal care.
Food preservative potential of gassericin A‐containing concentrate prepared from cheese whey culture supernatant of Lactobacillus gasseri LA39
Authors: NAKAMURA Kiyoshi , ARAKAWA Kensuke , KAWAI Yasushi , YASUTA Narimi , CHUJO Takahiro , WATANABE Masamichi , IIOKA Hiroyuki , TANIOKA Masashi , NISHIMURA Junko , KITAZAWA Haruki , TSURUMI Koichi , SAITO Tadao 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTGassericin A (GA) is a circular bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus gasseri LA39. In this study, GA‐containing concentrate was prepared using a cross‐flow membrane filtration device (30 kDa cut‐off) from the culture supernatant of Lb. gasseri LA39 cultivated in a cheese whey‐based food‐grade medium. The bacteriocin activity titer in the concentrate was 16 times as high as that of the culture supernatant and was completely maintained through each incubation at 4°C for 3 months, 37°C for 2 months, 60°C for 5 h, and 100°C for 30 min. The GA‐containing concentrate was used with glycine powder to make custard creams, and then four representative strains of custard cream spoilage bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, Achromobacter denitrificans and Pseudomonas fluorescens) were individually inoculated at c. 103 colony forming units/g in the custard creams. Throughout 30 days of incubation at 30°C, all of the inoculated bacteria were completely inhibited by the combination of 5% (w/w) of the GA‐containing concentrate and 0.5% (w/w) glycine. This is the first highly practical application of GA to foods as a biopreservative, and the concentration method and the bacteriocin concentrate would contribute to biopreservation of several foods.
The effects of dietary hesperidin supplementation on lamb performance and meat characteristics
Authors: SIMITZIS Panagiotis E. , ILIAS‐DIMOPOULOS Vagelis , CHARISMIADOU Maria A. , BINIARI Eugenia E. , DELIGEORGIS Stelios G. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTAn experiment was conducted to examine the effects of supplementing feed with hesperidin or α‐tocopheryl acetate on lambs' growth performance, carcass and meat characteristics. Sixteen male lambs were randomly assigned to four groups. One of the groups served as control and was given a basal diet, whereas the other three groups were given the same diet further supplemented with hesperidin at 1500 mg/kg, or hesperidin at 3000 mg/kg, or α‐tocopheryl acetate at 200 mg/kg. At the end of the experiment, lambs were fasted, weighed and slaughtered. After overnight chilling, samples of Longissimus thoracis muscle were taken and were used for meat quality evaluation. No significant differences were observed in final body weight, body weight gain and organ weights among the four groups. pH, color, water‐holding capacity, shear force values and intramuscular fat concentration of Longissimus thoracis muscle were also not significantly influenced by the dietary treatments. Measurement of lipid oxidation values showed that hesperidin supplementation positively influenced meat antioxidant properties during refrigerated storage.
IPASS: A Study on the Tolerability and Effectiveness of Injectable Testosterone Undecanoate for the Treatment of Male Hypogonadism in a Worldwide Sample of 1,438 Men
Authors: Zitzmann Michael , Mattern Andreas , Hanisch Jens , Gooren Louis , Jones Hugh , Maggi Mario 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Morbidity/mortality is higher in men with below-normal serum testosterone. Restoring testosterone to normal is beneficial.

Aim
Assessment of safety and effectiveness of injectable long-acting testosterone undecanoate (TU) in hypogonadal men in daily clinical practice.

Methods
An international, multicenter, one-arm, prospective observational study in 23 countries.

Main Outcome Measures
Parameters of erectile function, libido, vigor/vitality, mood, and ability to concentrate assessed by physician interview using items and five-point Likert scales. Physical and circulatory parameters as well as hematocrit, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, glucose control, and lipid profiles.

IPASS
An International, multicenter, Post-Authorisation (after authorized use in respective country) Surveillance Study on long-acting-intramuscular TU conducted at 155 centers in 23 countries in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Australia. Patients received up to five TU injections during 9–12 months.

Results
Of the 1,493 hypogonadal men enrolled, 1,438 (aged 49.2 ± 13.9 years) having received 6,333 injections were analyzed. Scores of mental and psychosexual functions (libido, vigor, overall mood, and ability to concentrate) improved markedly, while mean waist circumference decreased from 100 to 96 cm. Blood pressure and lipid parameters were altered in a favorable and significant manner. After four TU injection intervals, the percentage of patients with “low” or “very low” levels of sexual desire/libido decreased from 64% at baseline to 10%; moderate, severe, or extremely severe erectile dysfunction decreased from 67% to 19%. At the last observation, 89% of patients were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with TU therapy. Adverse events and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) occurred in 12% and 6% of patients, respectively, mostly mild to moderate. The most common ADRs were increase in hematocrit, increase in PSA, and injection site pain (all &lt;1%). No case of prostate cancer was observed.

Conclusion
In this largest worldwide sample of hypogonadal men, injectable long-acting TU was effective and well tolerated.
Observations on torquaratorid acorn worms (Hemichordata, Enteropneusta) from the North Atlantic with descriptions of a new genus and three new species
Authors: Priede Imants G. , Osborn Karen J. , Gebruk Andrey V. , Jones Dan , Shale David , Rogacheva Antonina , Holland Nicholas D. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractEnteropneusts in the family Torquaratoridae were imaged using still and video cameras in the deep North Atlantic and then collected by remotely operated vehicles. From this material, we describe Yoda purpurata n. gen, n. sp., Tergivelum cinnabarinum n. sp., and Allapasus isidis n. sp. Individuals of the first two species were browsing completely exposed on the sea floor, whereas the specimen of the last species was encountered floating ~1 m above the sea floor. Living specimens of Y. purpurata were 12–19 cm long and had a dark reddish‐purple proboscis, collar, and genital wings (folded dorsally over the anterior region of the trunk). Members of this species were hermaphrodites (the first ever discovered in the phylum Hemichordata), with numerous separate testes and ovaries in the genital wings. Living specimens of T. cinnabarinum were 12–26 cm long and had a cinnabar‐colored proboscis, collar, and back veils (arising from the anterior region of the trunk); sexes were separate, and body shape and internal morphology closely resemble those of its brown congener, T. baldwinae, from the eastern Pacific. The only specimen of A. isidis collected was a male 13 cm long and pale yellow when alive. Its body shape was proportionally shorter and broader than that of its orange congener, A. aurantiacus, from the eastern Pacific, but the internal anatomy of the two species is virtually identical. [Correction made after online publication August 21, 2012 to correct species name in preceding sentence.]
The Need for Sector‐Specific Materiality and Sustainability Reporting Standards
Authors: Eccles Robert G. , Krzus Michael P. , Rogers Jean , Serafeim George 
Published: July 2012

The market continues to show growing interest in how well companies are performing across a broad range of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) dimensions. Partly as a result, the companies themselves are paying more attention to these performance dimensions, how they contribute to financial performance, and how to evaluate tradeoffs that arise.One of the greatest challenges facing both investors and companies in using ESG performance information is the absence of standards. Another challenge is knowing which of the many ESG dimensions are most material for a company in terms of creating value for shareholders and stakeholders over the long term. The authors argue that materiality and reporting standards must be developed on a sector‐by‐sector basis, and that failure to do so will result in inconsistent and even misleading disclosures.The authors illustrate this with the case of climate change. The SEC has already issued interpretive guidance on climate change disclosures, making it quite clear that existing regulations require companies to report on material effects of climate change, from both an upside and downside perspective. Based on an analysis of 10K filings in six industries, the authors show that, even within a given industry, there is substantial variation in reporting among companies that ranges from no disclosure, to boilerplate disclosure, industry‐specific interpretation, and the use of quantitative metrics. After providing further detail on this by looking at the airline and utilities industries, the authors conclude by offering a methodology for defining material ESG issues on a sector‐by‐sector basis that could provide the basis for developing key performance indicators.