bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Group A rotavirus strains circulating in the eastern center of Tunisia during a ten‐year period (1995–2004)
Authors: Chouikha A. , Fodha I. , Noomen S. , Bouzid L. , Mastouri M. , Peenze I. , De Beer M. , Dewar J. , Geyer A. , Sfar T. , Gueddiche N. , Messaadi F. , Trabelsi A. , Boujaafar N. , Steele A. D. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAn epidemiological survey investigating rotavirus infections in children was undertaken in the Eastern Center of Tunisia between January 1995 and December 2004. A total of 982 faecal specimens collected from children less than 5 years in age were screened by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or latex agglutination assay for the presence of group A rotavirus antigen. Rotavirus‐positive samples were used for G and P typing by multiplex semi‐nested reverse transcription‐PCR. Rotaviruses were detected in 22% (n = 220) of stools. Of these, 164 were typed for VP7: G genotypes found were G1 (59%), G2 (2%), G3 (9%), G4 (10%), G8 (1%), and G9 (1%). Sixteen specimens (9%) showed mixed G profiles. A total of 119 specimens were typed for VP4. P genotypes detected were P[8] (32%), P[6] (15%), and P[4] (13%). Mixed P profiles were also detected (6%). Although the distribution of the detected genotypes appeared to change annually, G1P[8] rotavirus strains always predominated during the 10‐year period of study. This is the first report of rotaviruses in Tunisia with unconventional VP7 serotypes such as G8 and G9, highlighting the need for continual surveillance of emerging strains in Northern Africa. Indeed, the new commercial vaccines only contain the VP7 genes that dictate G1 or G1 to G4 specificities. These vaccines may protect less well against unusual strains circulating in countries planning to implement a rotavirus vaccine strategy. J. Med. Virol. 79:1002‐1008, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sequence analysis of the VP7 gene of human rotavirus G1 isolated in Japan, China, Thailand, and Vietnam in the context of changing distribution of rotavirus G‐types
Authors: Trinh Quang Duy , Nguyen Tuan Anh , Phan Tung Gia , Khamrin Pattara , Yan Hainian , Le Hoang Phuc , Maneekarn Niwat , Li Yan , Yagyu Fumihiro , Okitsu Shoko , Ushijima Hiroshi 
Published: May 2007

AbstractOver the last decade, rotavirus G1 has represented the most common genotype worldwide. Since 2000, the prevalence of rotavirus G1 has decreased in some countries such as Japan and China. To monitor the trend of the VP7 encoding gene of rotavirus G1, we performed a sequence analysis of 74 G1 rotavirus strains isolated in Japan, China, Thailand, and Vietnam during the period from 2002 to 2005. The phylogenetic tree showed that all of the studied G1 strains from the four countries clustered into lineage III, the same as the majority of the G1 strains isolated in China and Japan in 1990 and 1991. Examination of the deduced amino acid sequences of the G1 strains from China and Japan revealed an amino acid substitution at position 91 (Asn instead of Thr) in antigenic region A when compared to the G1 strains isolated in China and Japan in 1990, 1991, and global reference strains. For the G1 strains from Thailand and Vietnam, there were three amino acid substitutions, not belonging to any antigenic regions. The study showed that there have been no considerable changes of human rotavirus G1 isolated in Japan, China, Thailand, and Vietnam. Further studies need to be carried out for a better understanding of why such changes in the prevalence of rotavirus G1 occur in these countries. J. Med. Virol. 79:1009‐1016, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic and phenotypic diversity of echovirus 30 strains and pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Paananen A. , Savolainen‐Kopra C. , Kaijalainen S. , Vaarala O. , Hovi T. , Roivainen M. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractSeveral enterovirus serotypes should be considered as potentially diabetogenic. The capacity of an enterovirus to kill or impair the functions of human β‐cells can vary among the strains within a given serotype as shown previously for echovirus 9 and 30 (E‐30). The evolution of E‐30 has also shown patterns correlating with the global increase of type 1 diabetes incidence. In the present study, antigenic properties of a set of E‐30 isolates were investigated and the results correlated with the previously documented β‐cell destructive phenotype of the strains, or to genetic clustering of the strains. No simple correlation between the three properties was observed. A full‐length infectious clone was constructed and sequenced from one of the isolates found to be most destructive to β‐cells (E‐30/14916net87). Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that this strain was closely related to the E‐30 prototype strain at the capsid coding region while outside the capsid region prototype strains of several other human enterovirus B serotypes clustered more closely. This suggests that the relatively greater pathogenicity of the strain might be based on properties of the genome outside of the structural protein coding region. Neutralizing antibody assays on sera from 100 type 1 diabetic patients and 100 controls using three different E‐30 strains did not reveal differences between the groups. This finding does not support a previous proposition of aberrant antibody responses to E‐30 in diabetic patients. It is concluded that identification of the genetic counterparts of pathogenicity of E‐30 strains requires further studies. J. Med. Virol. 79:945‐955, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A note on the temporal and spatial variability of rainfall in the drought‐prone Amhara region of Ethiopia
Authors: Bewket Woldeamlak , Conway Declan 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe aim of this study is to characterise rainfall variability and trend in the drought‐prone Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia using standard rainfall statistical descriptors. A review of previous studies of Ethiopian rainfall shows different conclusions between studies about the existence of trends primarily due to their use of different periods of analysis. Various rainfall indicator series are presented and analysed for trend on annual, seasonal and daily time steps (including wet‐day amounts and probabilities, percentiles and dry spell lengths). Two periods are used for analysis: 1975–2003 (12 stations) to optimise station density and 1961–2003 (five stations) to optimise record length in this relatively poorly monitored region.A complex picture of rainfall variability emerges from the analysis, both in terms of spatial variability and temporal variability, from decadal to daily timescales. The results generally support those of the previous studies in Ethiopia with the additional findings that: (1) High levels of spatial variability exist at subregional scales in Ethiopia that are unlikely to be fully explained by large‐scale climate influences; (2) Choice of study period strongly influences the results of trend analysis in this region due to the effects of decadal variability (particularly because the 1980s was the driest decade and the 1990s the wettest decade on record); (3) Annual rainfall in the region recovered during the 1990s, although 2001–2003 were average or slightly lower; and (4) There are no consistent emergent patterns or trends in daily rainfall characteristics in this part of Ethiopia. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Mapping snow characteristics based on snow observation probability
Authors: Saghafian Bahram , Davtalab Rahman 
Published: May 2007

AbstractMeasurement/estimation of snow water equivalent (SWE) is a difficult task in water resources studies of snowy regions. SWE point data is measured at snow courses that are normally operated with low density owing to high costs and great difficulty in reaching the stations in cold seasons. Moreover, snow is known to exhibit high spatial variability, which makes SWE studies based solely on sparse station data more uncertain. Ever‐increasing availability of satellite images is a promising tool to overcome some of the difficulties associated with analyzing spatial variability of snow. Although National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellite images have low spatial resolution with approximately 1.1‐km pixel size, they are adequate for mapping snow cover at regional scales and enjoy a moderate length of record period. In this paper, rain and snow records of synoptic stations and the time series of NOAA‐based snow cover maps were used to map average SWE of a vast area in southwestern Iran. First, monthly and annual snow coefficient (SC) at synoptic stations were determined on the basis of analysis of hourly observation of type and amount of precipitation. Then, two new spatially distributed snow characteristics were introduced, namely, average frequency of snow observation (FSO) and monthly frequency of maximum snow observation (FMSO), on the basis of existing satellite snow observations. FSO and monthly FMSO maps were prepared by a geographic information system on the basis of snow map time series. Correlation of these two parameters with SC was studied and spatial distribution of SC was estimated on the basis of the best correlation. Moreover, the distribution of mean annual precipitation was derived by comparing a number of interpolation methods. SWE map was generated by multiplying SC and precipitation maps and its spatial variability in the region was analyzed. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
The prevalence and risk factors of post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation after fractional resurfacing in Asians
Authors: Chan Henry H.L. , Manstein D. , Yu C.S. , Shek S. , Kono T. , Wei W.I. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackgroundAblative laser resurfacing is considered to be the main therapeutic option for the treatment of wrinkles and acne scarring. However, in Asians, post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a common adverse effect of laser resurfacing. Fractional resurfacing is a new concept of skin rejuvenation whereby zones of micro thermal injury are generated in the skin with the use of a 1,540‐nm laser. The risk and prevalence of hyperpigmentation in dark‐skinned patients using this approach have not been studied.ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence and risk factors of PIH that is associated with the use of fractional resurfacing in Asians.MethodA retrospective study of 37 Chinese patients who were treated with fractional resurfacing for acne scarring, skin rejuvenation, and pigmentation was carried out. In all of the cases, pre‐ and post‐treatment clinical photographs (from standardized and cross‐polarized views) were taken using the Canfield CR system. Two independent observers assessed the photographs. A prospective study of treatments of nine different density and energy levels that were applied to the forearms of 18 volunteers was also performed. Clinical photographs were assessed pre‐ and post‐treatment for evidence of PIH.ResultIn the retrospective study, 119 treatment sessions were performed. Sixty‐eight treatment sessions were high energy, low density; 51 sessions were low energy, high density. Patients who underwent a high energy but low‐density treatment (range of energy 7–20 mJ; average energy 16.3 mJ, 1,000 MTZ) were associated with a lower prevalence of generalized PIH (7.1% vs. 12.4%) than those who underwent a low energy but high‐density (range of energy 6–12 mJ; average energy 8.2 mJ, 2,000 MTZ) treatment. However, the difference was not statistically significant. Localized PIH occurred in the peri‐oral area among patients who did not receive air cooling as an adjunctive therapy.ConclusionBoth the density and energy of the treatment determines the risk of PIH in dark‐skinned patients. Density may be of more important but further studies are necessary to determine this. Cooling to prevent bulk tissue heating is also important, especially in small anatomical areas. By using adequate parameters, the risk of PIH in dark‐skinned patients can be significantly reduced. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Innovation and pricing in the Dutch drug industry
Authors: Reekie W. Duncan 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe Dutch pharmaceutical industry is characterized by a high degree of innovative rivalry resulting in frequent rises and falls in market shares by both firms and products. Conventional concentration ratios, Herfindahl indices and market share stability measures are not highly correlated. The market, however, does display price sensitivity. Elasticity of demand for new products is inversely related to their incremental quality and directly related to their age.
Which statistical technique should i use? a survey and marketing case study
Authors: Doutriaux J. , Crener Maxime A. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractMini and microcomputers are putting an even larger number of powerful statistical analysis techniques at the disposal of the researcher. This paper uses a case study approach to show how to use the original objectives and purpose of a research project to design the study, organize the data collection and select the most appropriate multi‐variate technique. Multiple regression, correlation analysis, principal component and factor analysis, discriminant analysis, causal link analysis, cluster analysis, analysis of variance including automatic interaction detection, and canonical correlation analysis are among the models and statistical techniques described in terms of their requirements, underlying hypotheses, limits, advantages. The use of these techniques is illustrated by the study of the “enjoyment” of the tourists who visited the province of Quebec in 1975.
Industry analysis and investment decision‐making under conditions of uncertainty
Authors: Feldman Stanley J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractEvaluating risk is a key element in successful investment decision‐making. A major risk in forecasting company performance is associated with projecting its cash flow streams by product‐line which in turn is strongly related to the expected industry outlook and likely variability about this outlook. This paper sets out a methodology for evaluating this aspect of the investment decision by developing measures of expected real cash flow growth (reward) and expected annual variability of this growth (risk). These measures are constructed for 77 industry classifications at the two and three digit SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) level of detail by solving a dynamic input–output model under various economic secenarios. Aside from producing results which are relevant for producing company valuation bands, the analysis strongly suggests that perceptions of which industries are ‘winners’ and which are ‘losers’ are significantly altered when both ‘reward’ and ‘risk’ are used as criteria as opposed to either one alone. Finally, the methodology also produces results which measures the sources of cash flow growth in terms of relative price performance, productivity, and demand for output. Since there measures can be used as indicators of the quality of industry real cash flow growth, industry performance can be further arrayed within the broad categories of winning and losing industries. Several examples of how this is done are offered.
Cash management economies in the production of food
Authors: Koshal Manjulika , Koshal Rajindar K. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis study suggests that the behavior of demand of cash by business firms can better be understood by empirical testing theory on data derived from individual units rather than making unrealistic assumptions to justify testing of aggregated data. Using data for firms in the food industry, this study shows that the rate of interest is a significant variable in explaining the demand for cash. Furthermore, the statistical results indicate that the economies of scale in the management of cash depends upon the type of goods produced by the corporations under study. Accordingly, one cannot make any generalization regarding the question of the economies of scale in the management of cash.
Late entry, market shares and competitive survival: The case of synthetic fibers
Authors: Shaw Richard W. , Shaw Susan A. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis paper examines product policy in relation to the experience curve and product life cycle concepts in the context of the experience of the thirteen major firms in the Western European synthetic fibers industry. It examines the hypothesis based on Boston Consulting Group and the Profit Impact of Market Share (PIMS) evidence that late entrants to a market will be at a competitive disadvantage because they lack the accumulated experience of the pioneering firms. For each of the three main synthetic fibres, acrylic, nylon and polyester, it was found that the early entrants who established major market shares early in the growth phase of the product life cycle were able to maintain that leadership nearly twenty years later. In contrast not only did almost all the late entrants fail to achieve significant market shares but in the difficult market conditions between 1974 and 1981 they provided seven out of nine market withdrawals.
Diversification strategy and systematic risk: An empirical inquiry
Authors: Thompson R. S. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis paper presents some empirical tests of the impact of strategic diversification on a market‐based measure of firm risk. Instead of considering merely the consequences of isolated diversifying mergers, as most previous work in this area has done, the study examines the impact of all quoted acquisitions over a five year period using a sample of 100 large companies and a period of intense merger activity. The results cast further doubt on risk reduction as a general motive for diversifying merger, although they do not support the positive association between systematic risk and conglomerate status found in many US studies.
Using data envelopment analysis to measure the efficiency of non‐profit organizations: A critical evaluation
Authors: Nunamaker Thomas R. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis study examines the potential effects of variable set expansion and data variations upon the efficiency scores generated using the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model. It was found that variable set expansion (either through disaggregation of existing variables or addition of new factors) should produce an upward trend in efficiency scores. In addition, ample opportunity exists for ‘decision‐making units’ to increase their efficiency scores through manipulation of reported data. In real‐world applications of DEA, these problems must be resolved as much as possible (e.g. increased audit of data) in order to improve DEA's practical usefulness and reliability.
Rate‐base valuation methods and firm efficiency
Authors: Bubnys Edward L. , Primeaux Walter J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe economic performance of public utilities under different rate‐base valuation methods is examined in this paper. A unique procedure, involving Ordinary Least Squares regression analysis, examined data for all usable firms in states which have changed rate‐base methods since World War II. The sample consists of 20 electric firms extending over 30 years of time‐series data. Equations for individual firms were run to capture the effects of changes on rate‐base methods on capital intensity and capacity utilization on each separate business.Contrary to expectations, there was no clear pattern indicating that firms in the sample increased the rate of capital intensity when their rate‐base method was changed to fair value from original cost. Similarly, expected excess capacity was not found under fair‐value regulation.The general conclusion is that there is no reason to believe that different rate‐base valuation methods induce allocative inefficiency. Nevertheless, inefficiency may already exist in regulated monopolies in the form of X‐inefficiency.
An agency perspective of the firm's life‐cycle
Authors: Bulmash Samuel 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe paper presents a model which explains the firm's life‐cycle via the agency approach. The application of agency theory to the understanding of the life‐cycle of the firm provides interesting implications for management compensation programs for growth‐inducing policies and for some aspects of mergers. The dynamic model presented here provides a synthesis of different perspectives of the firm and its management.
Risk and prices in separable utility functions
Authors: Engelbrecht‐Wiggans Richard 
Published: May 2007

AbstractMany decision problems involve more than one attribute. Separable multi‐attribute utility functions are commonly used to model preferences in such situations. We consider the case in which one attribute can be identified as money. The price at which non‐monetary attributes may be substituted by money, the relation of this price to a decision‐maker's wealth, and the implications on attitudes toward risk are examined for additively and multiplicatively separable multi‐attribute utility functions. In particular, it is shown that additive separability, price independent of wealth and monetary risk‐aversion are mutually inconsistent.
An economic analysis of R & D joint ventures
Authors: Bozeman Barry , Link Albert , Zardkoohi Asghar 
Published: May 2007

AbstractA graphical model of co‐operative R & D activity is presented, from which outcomes of R & D joint ventures are posited. The analysis predicts that R & D spending will increase as a result of co‐operation and that the increment will tend to be in basic research more than applied or development.
Black trade unions and the wage gap in South Africa
Authors: Siebert W. S. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis paper puts forward a model of real wage determination for black workers in South Africa. The model is fitted to data for mining and manufacturing for the post‐war period. It is found that since 1980 the rise of black trade unions has been a major factor underlying wage increases in manufacturing. In the 1970s, rising gold prices and reduced foreign labour supplies were favourable for mining labour, and in both industries pass law limitations on mobility are found to have lowered balck wages.
Financial innovation and the boundaries of banking
Authors: Aliber Robert Z. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe paper analyzes the interaction of the process of international innovation and the structure of the international banking sector. The advent of new instruments of financing resulted in the growth of disintermediation. This created pressure for the liberalization of banking with the resulting international competition. The banking sector in the USA is fragmented, and offers a widely differing range of services. Innovation has resulted in a change in structure, a reshuffling of participants and a consolidation of financial centers.
Voting rights and shareholder wealth the issuance of limited voting common stock
Authors: Cornett Marcia Millon , Vetsuypens Michael R. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis paper investigates the shareholder wealth consequences of the public announcements of the proposed issuance of multiple classes of common stock with disparate voting rights. The evidence suggests that, for our sample of 70 firms which proposed dual‐class recapitalizations over the period 1962–86, the creafion of dual classes of common stock, on average, leads to abnormal stock price increases. The data do not lend support to the hypothesis that the concentration of voting power with incumbent management is detrimental to shareholder interests.
The sequencing of union contract negotiations
Authors: Kovenock Dan , Widdows Kealoha 
Published: May 2007

AbstractIn this paper we explore the determination of the sequencing of wage bargains in an institutional structure consisting of a single firm employing two unions, under two alternative assumptions about the nature of feasible contracts. If contingent contracts are prohibitively costly, we find that the unions prefer to lead in the negotiations process if the labor inputs are substitutes and follow if they are complements, while the firm is indifferent. If contingent contracts are permitted, both unions prefer to lead, while the firm prefers to negotiate first with the weaker union.