bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Pricing of Insurer Demutualization Initial Public Offerings
Authors: Viswanathan Krupa S. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThis article examines the pricing of the initial public offerings (IPOs) that follow insurance company demutualizations. Insurers that convert from mutual to stock form typically cite the need for capital as a key motivation. Given that capital adequacy is a primary regulatory objective for insurers, one would expect that for a given number of shares to be sold, these firms would price their offerings to maximize proceeds. However, the vast literature on IPO pricing suggests various theories as to why it may be in the issuing firm's best interest to underprice its offering. By examining the initial and long‐run stock returns for these conversion IPOs, the existence and degree of underpricing, as characterized by large initial returns, can be determined. It is observed that on average demutualization insurer IPOs post significantly higher first‐day returns than nondemutualization insurer IPOs. These gains would accrue to the initial investors and to those policyholders who receive compensation in the form of shares in the newly created stock insurer. Attractive returns are sustained for both groups of insurers during the first few years after IPO.
Pareto‐Optimal Insurance Policies in the Models with a Premium Based on the Actuarial Value
Authors: Golubin A. Y. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThis article analyzes the problem of designing Pareto‐optimal insurance policies when both the insurer and the insured are risk averse and the premium is calculated as a function of the actuarial value of the insurer's risk. Two models are considered: in the first, the set of admissible policies is constrained by a given size of the premium; in the second, the premium size is not constrained so that it varies with the actuarial value of a policy chosen by the agents. For both cases a characterization of the Pareto‐optimal policies is derived. The corresponding optimality equations for the Pareto‐optimal policies are obtained and compared with the results on the classical risk exchange model.
Multi‐Event Bonus‐Malus Scales
Authors: Pitrebois Sandra , Denuit Michel , Walhin Jean‐François 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThis article is devoted to the design of bonus‐malus scales involving different types of claims. Typically, claims with or without bodily injuries, or claims with full or partial liability of the insured driver, are distinguished and entail different penalties. Under mild assumptions, claim severities can also be taken into account in this way. Numerical illustrations enhance the interest of the approach.
A Voluntary Deductible in Social Health Insurance with Risk Equalization: “Community‐Rated or Risk‐Rated Premium Rebate?”
Authors: Van Kleef Richard C. , Van De Ven Wynand P. M. M. , Van Vliet René C. J. A. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractOn January 1, 2006 a new mandatory basic health insurance will be introduced in the Netherlands. One aspect of the new scheme is that the insured can choose to have a deductible. This option should increase the individual responsibility and reduce moral hazard. In the new scheme, a risk equalization system is aimed at avoiding preferred risk selection and insolvency of insurance companies with a relatively high‐risk pool. A crucial issue with respect to a voluntary deductible in this type of social health insurance is whether the premium rebate should be community rated or risk rated. The Dutch government has chosen the former, which means that the premium rebate will be independent of health status and risk. Our analysis shows that, in a situation with “accurate” risk equalization, a community‐rated premium rebate could lead to an adverse selection spiral. Over time, this spiral results in none of the insured taking a deductible and thus no reduction in moral hazard.
Design issues with clinical experimental platelet transfusion studies
Authors: HEDDLE NANCY M. , COOK RICHARD J. 
Published: September 2006

SUMMARYEvidence‐based platelet transfusion therapy has been facilitated by a recent number of clinical trials addressing issues of optimal trigger, dose, product efficacy and adverse events. Valid results depend upon carefully planning the study including: developing a well‐defined research question and hypothesis; selecting the most appropriate study design; identifying all aspects of the optimal intervention to be studied; selecting a clinically relevant outcome measure; determining the sample size requirements; and planning the analysis a priori. Safety issues also need to be considered during the planning stage and often includes the implementation of a data safety monitoring board. Websites that provide useful information and checklists to facilitate researchers when designing clinical studies include: CONSORT (http://www.consort‐statement.org/index.html) and the ICH (International Conference on Harmonization) of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceutical for Human use (http://www.ich.org).
A strategy for platelet transfusion in patients with alloantibodies to platelets
Authors: SKOGEN BJØRN , HUSEBEKK ANNE 
Published: September 2006

SUMMARYAlthough antibody‐dependent platelet transfusion refractoriness has become less frequent with the introduction of leukocyte filtration of platelet concentrates, it remains a challenge in transfusion medicine. Small transfusion centers do not have easy access to an inventory of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐typed platelet donors. As flow cytometry has become more common, this technology can easily be introduced in platelet crossmatching, with sensitivity and predictive values comparable to those of other techniques, and with the advantage of automation. An algorithm is presented for use of flow cytometry in the selection of compatible platelets for alloimmunized patients.
Altered Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Immunoglobulin M (IgM)/IgG Optical Density Ratios Can Correctly Classify All Primary or Secondary Dengue Virus Infections 1 Day after the Onset of Symptoms, when All of the Viruses Can Be Isolated
Authors: Falconar Andrew K. I. , de Plata Elsa , Romero-Vivas Claudia M. E. 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT

We compared dengue virus (DV) isolation rates and tested whether acute primary (P) and acute/probable acute secondary (S/PS) DV infections could be correctly classified serologically when the patients' first serum (S1) samples were obtained 1 to 3 days after the onset of symptoms (AOS). DV envelope/membrane protein-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) capture and IgG capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) titrations (1/log
10
1.7 to 1 log
10
6.6 dilutions) were performed on 100 paired S1 and S2 samples from suspected DV infections. The serologically confirmed S/PS infections were divided into six subgroups based on their different IgM and IgG responses. Because of their much greater dynamic ranges, IgG/IgM ELISA titer ratios were more accurate and reliable than IgM/IgG optical density (OD) ratios recorded at a single cutoff dilution for discriminating between P and S/PS infections. However, 62% of these patients' S1 samples were DV IgM and IgG titer negative (<OD
max
/2 titer threshold), and in 35% of the S/PS infections, the patients' S1 and S2 samples were IgM titer negative. The IgM OD values were, however, much higher than those of IgG in the S1 samples of many of these, and the other, S/PS infections. This necessitated using higher (≥2.60 and <2.60) discriminatory IgM/IgG OD (DOD) ratios on these S1 samples than those published previously to correctly classify the highest percentage of these P and S/PS infections. The DV isolation rate was highest (12/12; 100%) using IgG and IgM titer-negative S1 samples collected 1 day AOS, when 100% of them were correctly classified as P or S/PS infections using these higher DOD ratios.
Cattle Husbandry in Ethiopia Is a Predominant Factor Affecting the Pathology of Bovine Tuberculosis and Gamma Interferon Responses to Mycobacterial Antigens
Authors: Ameni Gobena , Aseffa Abraham , Engers Howard , Young Douglas , Hewinson Glyn , Vordermeier Martin 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT

Bovine tuberculosis is a major economic problem and a potential public health risk. Improved diagnostics like the gamma interferon (IFN-γ) test with ESAT6 and/or CFP10 could contribute to the control program. We assessed IFN-γ responses in zebu (Ethiopian Arsi breed) and Holstein cattle kept indoors or in a pasture to tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) and an ESAT6-CFP10 protein cocktail. Furthermore, the intensity and distribution of pathology of bovine tuberculosis were compared between the two breeds. Our data demonstrated significantly (all
P
< 0.02) higher IFN-γ responses to avian PPD, bovine PPD, and the ESAT6-CFP10 protein cocktail in Holstein than in zebu cattle, while lesion severities in infected animals and tuberculin skin test responses did not differ significantly (
P
> 0.05) between the two breeds. Holstein cattle that were kept indoors produced significantly (all
P
< 0.01) higher IFN-γ levels in response to avian PPD, bovine PPD, and the ESAT6-CFP10 protein cocktail than did Holstein cattle kept in a pasture. Moreover, lesion severity was significantly higher in Holstein cattle kept indoors (
P
= 0.001) than in those kept in the pasture. Lesions were localized predominantly in the digestive tract in cattle kept in a pasture, while they were localized in the respiratory tract in cattle kept indoors. In conclusion, in Holstein cattle, husbandry was a dominant factor influencing the severity of tuberculosis lesions and IFN-γ responses to mycobacterial antigens compared to breed. A difference in the cellular immune response between zebu and Holstein cattle was observed, while tuberculosis lesion severities were identical in the two breeds, when both were kept in a pasture.
Distinct Contributions of Vaccine-Induced Immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) and IgG2a Antibodies to Protective Immunity against Influenza
Authors: Huber Victor C. , McKeon Raelene M. , Brackin Martha N. , Miller Laura A. , Keating Rachael , Brown Scott A. , Makarova Natalia , Perez Daniel R. , MacDonald Gene H. , McCullers Jonathan A. 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTVaccination represents the most effective form of protection against influenza infection. While neutralizing antibodies are typically measured as a correlate of vaccine-induced protective immunity against influenza, nonneutralizing antibodies may contribute to protection or amelioration of disease. The goal of this study was to dissect the individual contributions of the immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) and IgG2a antibody isotypes to vaccine-induced immunity against influenza virus. To accomplish this, we utilized an influenza vaccine regimen that selectively enhanced IgG1 or IgG2a antibodies by using either DNA or viral replicon particle (VRP) vectors expressing influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) (HA-DNA or HA-VRP, respectively). After HA-DNA vaccination, neutralizing antibodies were detected by both in vitro (microneutralization) and in vivo (lung viral titer) methods and were associated with increased IgG1 expression by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Vaccination with HA-VRP did not strongly stimulate either neutralizing or IgG1 antibodies but did induce IgG2a antibodies. Expression of IgG2a antibodies in this context correlated with clearance of virus and increased protection against lethal influenza challenge. Increased induction of both antibody isotypes as measured by ELISA was a better correlate for vaccine efficacy than neutralization alone. This study details separate but important roles for both IgG1 and IgG2a expression in vaccination against influenza and argues for the development of vaccine regimens that stimulate and measure expression of both antibody isotypes.
Probiotics Stimulate Production of Natural Antibodies in Chickens
Authors: Haghighi Hamid R. , Gong Jianhua , Gyles Carlton L. , Hayes M. Anthony , Zhou Huaijun , Sanei Babak , Chambers James R. , Sharif Shayan 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTCommensal bacteria in the intestine play an important role in the development of immune response. These bacteria interact with cells of the gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT). Among cells of the GALT, B-1 cells are of note. These cells are involved in the production of natural antibodies. In the present study, we determined whether manipulation of the intestinal microbiota by administration of probiotics, which we had previously shown to enhance specific systemic antibody response, could affect the development of natural antibodies in the intestines and sera of chickens. Our findings demonstrate that when 1-day-old chicks were treated with probiotics, serum and intestinal antibodies reactive to tetanus toxoid (TT) andClostridium perfringensalpha-toxin in addition to intestinal immunoglobulin A (IgA) reactive to bovine serum albumin (BSA) were increased in unimmunized chickens. Moreover, IgG antibodies reactive to TT were increased in the intestines of probiotic-treated chickens compared to those of untreated controls. In serum, IgG and IgM reactive to TT and alpha-toxin were increased in probiotic-treated, unimmunized chickens compared to levels in untreated controls. However, no significant difference in serum levels of IgM or IgG response to BSA was observed. These results are suggestive of the induction of natural antibodies in probiotic-treated, unimmunized chickens. Elucidating the role of these antibodies in maintenance of the chicken immune system homeostasis and immune response to pathogens requires further investigation.
Characterization of a Phenotypically Unique Population of CD13+Dendritic Cells Resident in the Spleen
Authors: Zhuang Yan , Mwangi Waithaka , Brown Wendy C. , Davis William C. , Hope Jayne C. , Palmer Guy H. 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTImmature dendritic cells (DCs) resident in bovine spleens represent a distinct CD11a+CD11c+CD13+CD172+CD205+population compared to those circulating in peripheral blood or trafficking via afferent lymph. Upon cytokine-induced maturation, splenic DCs both efficiently present antigen in the stimulation of allogeneic lymphocyte proliferation and recall antigen-specific responses.
Genetic Analysis ofMycobacterium aviumComplex Strains Used for Producing Purified Protein Derivatives
Authors: Semret Makeda , Bakker Douwe , Smart Nonie , Olsen Ingrid , Haslov Kaare , Behr Marcel A. 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTFor over a century, purified protein derivatives (PPD) have been used to detect mycobacterial infections in humans and livestock. Among these, reagents to detect infections byMycobacterium aviumcomplex organisms have been produced, but the utility of these reagents has not been clearly established due in part to limited biologic and immunologic standardization. Because there is little information about the strains used to produce these reagents (avian PPD, intracellulare PPD, scrofulaceum PPD, and Johnin), we have performed genetic characterizations of strains used to produce these products. Sequence analysis of 16S rRNA and thehsp65gene provided results concordant with species designations provided forM. avium,Mycobacterium intracellulare, andMycobacterium scrofulaceumorganisms. ForM. aviumstrains, comparative genomic hybridization was performed on a whole-genome DNA microarray, revealing one novel 7.9-kilobase genomic deletion in certain Johnin-producing strains, in addition to genomic variability inherent to the particularM. aviumsubspecies. Our findings indicate that considerable genomic differences exist between organisms used for reagents and the infecting organism being studied. These results serve as a baseline for potency studies of different preparations and should aid in comparative studies of newly discovered antigens for the diagnosis of infection and disease byM. aviumcomplex organisms.
The Yin and Yang of P-TEFb Regulation: Implications for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Gene Expression and Global Control of Cell Growth and Differentiation
Authors: Zhou Qiang , Yik Jasper H. N. 
Published: September 2006

SUMMARY
The positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) stimulates transcriptional elongation by phosphorylating the carboxy-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II and antagonizing the effects of negative elongation factors. Not only is P-TEFb essential for transcription of the vast majority of cellular genes, but it is also a critical host cellular cofactor for the expression of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 genome. Given its important role in globally affecting transcription, P-TEFb's activity is dynamically controlled by both positive and negative regulators in order to achieve a functional equilibrium in sync with the overall transcriptional demand as well as the proliferative state of cells. Notably, this equilibrium can be shifted toward either the active or inactive state in response to diverse physiological stimuli that can ultimately affect the cellular decision between growth and differentiation. In this review, we examine the mechanisms by which the recently identified positive (the bromodomain protein Brd4) and negative (the noncoding 7SK small nuclear RNA and the HEXIM1 protein) regulators of P-TEFb affect the P-TEFb-dependent transcriptional elongation. We also discuss the consequences of perturbations of the dynamic associations of these regulators with P-TEFb in relation to the pathogenesis and progression of several major human diseases, such as cardiac hypertrophy, breast cancer, and HIV infection.
The Yeast Actin Cytoskeleton: from Cellular Function to Biochemical Mechanism
Authors: Moseley James B. , Goode Bruce L. 
Published: September 2006

SUMMARYAll cells undergo rapid remodeling of their actin networks to regulate such critical processes as endocytosis, cytokinesis, cell polarity, and cell morphogenesis. These events are driven by the coordinated activities of a set of 20 to 30 highly conserved actin-associated proteins, in addition to many cell-specific actin-associated proteins and numerous upstream signaling molecules. The combined activities of these factors control with exquisite precision the spatial and temporal assembly of actin structures and ensure dynamic turnover of actin structures such that cells can rapidly alter their cytoskeletons in response to internal and external cues. One of the most exciting principles to emerge from the last decade of research on actin is that the assembly of architecturally diverse actin structures is governed by highly conserved machinery and mechanisms. With this realization, it has become apparent that pioneering efforts in budding yeast have contributed substantially to defining the universal mechanisms regulating actin dynamics in eukaryotes. In this review, we first describe the filamentous actin structures found inSaccharomyces cerevisiae(patches, cables, and rings) and their physiological functions, and then we discuss in detail the specific roles of actin-associated proteins and their biochemical mechanisms of action.
Nuclear ADP-Ribosylation Reactions in Mammalian Cells: Where Are We Today and Where Are We Going?
Authors: Hassa Paul O. , Haenni Sandra S. , Elser Michael , Hottiger Michael O. 
Published: September 2006

SUMMARYSince poly-ADP ribose was discovered over 40 years ago, there has been significant progress in research into the biology of mono- and poly-ADP-ribosylation reactions. During the last decade, it became clear that ADP-ribosylation reactions play important roles in a wide range of physiological and pathophysiological processes, including inter- and intracellular signaling, transcriptional regulation, DNA repair pathways and maintenance of genomic stability, telomere dynamics, cell differentiation and proliferation, and necrosis and apoptosis. ADP-ribosylation reactions are phylogenetically ancient and can be classified into four major groups: mono-ADP-ribosylation, poly-ADP-ribosylation, ADP-ribose cyclization, and formation ofO-acetyl-ADP-ribose. In the human genome, more than 30 different genes coding for enzymes associated with distinct ADP-ribosylation activities have been identified. This review highlights the recent advances in the rapidly growing field of nuclear mono-ADP-ribosylation and poly-ADP-ribosylation reactions and the distinct ADP-ribosylating enzyme families involved in these processes, including the proposed family of novel poly-ADP-ribose polymerase-like mono-ADP-ribose transferases and the potential mono-ADP-ribosylation activities of the sirtuin family of NAD+-dependent histone deacetylases. A special focus is placed on the known roles of distinct mono- and poly-ADP-ribosylation reactions in physiological processes, such as mitosis, cellular differentiation and proliferation, telomere dynamics, and aging, as well as “programmed necrosis” (i.e., high-mobility-group protein B1 release) and apoptosis (i.e., apoptosis-inducing factor shuttling). The proposed molecular mechanisms involved in these processes, such as signaling, chromatin modification (i.e., “histone code”), and remodeling of chromatin structure (i.e., DNA damage response, transcriptional regulation, and insulator function), are described. A potential cross talk between nuclear ADP-ribosylation processes and other NAD+-dependent pathways is discussed.
SIMILARITIES OF ORDERED GENE LISTS
Authors: YANG XINAN , BENTINK STEFAN , SCHEID STEFANIE , SPANG RAINER 
Published: September 2006

Motivation: Many applications of microarray technology in clinical cancer studies aim at detecting molecular features for refined diagnosis. In this paper, we follow an opposite rationale: we try to identify common molecular features shared by phenotypically distinct types of cancer using a meta-analysis of several microarray studies. We present a novel algorithm to uncover that two lists of differentially expressed genes are similar, even if these similarities are not apparent to the eye. The method is based on the ordering in the lists. Results: In a meta-analysis of five clinical microarray studies we were able to detect significant similarities in five of the ten possible comparisons of ordered gene lists. We included studies, where not a single gene can be significantly associated to outcome. The detection of significant similarities of gene lists from different microarray studies is a novel and promising approach. It has the potential to improve upon specialized cancer studies by exploring the power of several studies in one single analysis. Our method is complementary to previous methods in that it does not rely on strong effects of differential gene expression in a single study but on consistent ones across multiple studies.