bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does the Contribution of Corporate Cash Holdings and Dividends to Firm Value Depend on Governance? A Cross‐country Analysis
Authors: PINKOWITZ LEE , STULZ RENÉ , WILLIAMSON ROHAN 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTAgency theories predict that the value of corporate cash holdings is less in countries with poor investor protection because of the greater ability of controlling shareholders to extract private benefits from cash holdings in such countries. Using various specifications of the valuation regressions of Fama and French (1998), we find that the relation between cash holdings and firm value is much weaker in countries with poor investor protection than in other countries. In further support of the importance of agency theories, the relation between dividends and firm value is weaker in countries with stronger investor protection.
Information, Trading, and Volatility: Evidence from Weather‐Sensitive Markets
Authors: FLEMING JEFF , KIRBY CHRIS , OSTDIEK BARBARA 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTWe find that trading‐ versus nontrading‐period variance ratios in weather‐sensitive markets are lower than those in the equity market and higher than those in the currency market. The variance ratios are also substantially lower during periods of the year when prices are most sensitive to the weather. Moreover, the comovement of returns and volatilities for related commodities is stronger during the weather‐sensitive season, largely due to stronger comovement during nontrading periods. These results are consistent with a strong link between prices and public information flow and cannot be explained by pricing errors or changes in trading activity.
Information Cascades: Evidence from a Field Experiment with Financial Market Professionals
Authors: ALEVY JONATHAN E. , HAIGH MICHAEL S. , LIST JOHN A. 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTPrevious empirical studies of information cascades use either naturally occurring data or laboratory experiments. We combine attractive elements from each of these lines of research by observing market professionals from the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) in a controlled environment. Analysis of over 1,500 individual decisions suggests that CBOT professionals behave differently from our student control group. For instance, professionals are better able to discern the quality of public signals and their decisions are not affected by the domain of earnings. These results have implications for market efficiency and are important in both a positive and normative sense.
Whom You Know Matters: Venture Capital Networks and Investment Performance
Authors: HOCHBERG YAEL V. , LJUNGQVIST ALEXANDER , LU YANG 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTMany financial markets are characterized by strong relationships and networks, rather than arm's‐length, spot market transactions. We examine the performance consequences of this organizational structure in the context of relationships established when VCs syndicate portfolio company investments. We find that better‐networked VC firms experience significantly better fund performance, as measured by the proportion of investments that are successfully exited through an IPO or a sale to another company. Similarly, the portfolio companies of better‐networked VCs are significantly more likely to survive to subsequent financing and eventual exit. We also provide initial evidence on the evolution of VC networks.
Accuracy of Intracardiac Echocardiography for Assessing the Esophageal Course Along the Posterior Left Atrium: A Comparison to Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: KENIGSBERG DAVID N. , LEE BENJAMIN P. , GRIZZARD JOHN D. , ELLENBOGEN KENNETH A. , WOOD MARK A. 
Published: January 2007

Background: Atrioesophageal fistula is a potentially fatal complication of ablation in the left atrium (LA) to treat atrial fibrillation. Objective: The objective of our study was to systematically evaluate the diagnostic potential of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) for accurately assessing the esophageal course along the posterior LA. Methods: Thirty‐five patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and ICE during pulmonary vein (PV) isolation to visualize the esophagus. The location of the esophagus was determined in relation to the PVs and anatomic regions of the LA by both ICE and MRI. Using the MRI images as a reference, the accuracy of ICE localization was assessed. Results: The most common location for the esophagus to appear was the mid‐posterior wall (80% of patients by ICE, 71% of patients by MRI), followed by the left posterior wall (71% of patients by ICE, 63% of patients by MRI) and the right posterior wall (60% of patients by ICE, 51% of patients by MRI). The esophagus was seen to course near the left PV antrums (left superior PV antrum 34% of patients by ICE and MRI; left inferior PV antrum 34% of patients by ICE, 37% of patients by MRI), left superior PV (17% of patients by ICE, 20% of patients by MRI), left inferior PV (17% of patients by ICE and MRI), right inferior PV antrum (29% of patients by ICE, 37% of patients by MRI) and the right inferior PV (3% of patients by ICE, 17% of patients by MRI). The sensitivity for esophageal location by ICE compared to that by MRI ranged between 33% (right inferior PV) and 92% (left superior PV antrum, left inferior PV antrum, and mid‐posterior wall). The specificity for esophageal location by ICE compared to that by MRI ranged between 60% (mid‐posterior wall) and 100% (right inferior PV). The positive predictive value ranged between 80% (left inferior PV) and 100% (right inferior PV). The negative predictive value ranged between 84% (right inferior PV antrum) and 96% (left superior PV antrum). Conclusion: Phased array ICE provides rapid, real‐time localization of the esophagus during LA ablation that is comparable to MRI.
The Diagnosis of Cardiac Arrhythmias: A Prospective Multi‐Center Randomized Study Comparing Mobile Cardiac Outpatient Telemetry Versus Standard Loop Event Monitoring
Authors: ROTHMAN STEVEN A. , LAUGHLIN JAMES C. , SELTZER JONATHAN , WALIA JASJIT S. , BAMAN RAKESH I. , SIOUFFI SAMER Y. , SANGRIGOLI ROBERT M. , KOWEY PETER R. 
Published: January 2007

Introduction: Ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring systems are frequently used in the outpatient evaluation of symptoms suggestive of a cardiac arrhythmia; however, they have a low yield in the identification of clinically significant but infrequent, brief, and/or intermittently symptomatic arrhythmias. The purpose of this study was to compare the relative value of a mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry system (MCOT) with a patient‐activated external looping event monitor (LOOP) for symptoms thought to be due to an arrhythmia.
Methods and Results: The study was a 17‐center prospective clinical trial with patients randomized to either LOOP or MCOT for up to 30 days. Subjects with symptoms of syncope, presyncope, or severe palpitations who had a nondiagnostic 24‐hour Holter monitor were randomized. The primary endpoint was the confirmation or exclusion of a probable arrhythmic cause of their symptoms. A total of 266 patients who completed the monitoring period were analyzed. A diagnosis was made in 88% of MCOT subjects compared with 75% of LOOP subjects (P = 0.008). In a subgroup of patients presenting with syncope or presyncope, a diagnosis was made in 89% of MCOT subjects versus 69% of LOOP subjects (P = 0.008). MCOT was superior in confirming the diagnosis of clinical significant arrhythmias, detecting such events in 55 of 134 patients (41%) compared with 19 of 132 patients (15%) in the LOOP group (P < 0.001).
Conclusions: MCOT provided a significantly higher yield than standard cardiac loop recorders in patients with symptoms suggestive of a significant cardiac arrhythmia.
Downregulation of cell cycle modulators p21, p27, p53, Rb and proapoptotic Bcl‐2‐related proteins Bax and Bak in cutaneous melanoma is associated with worse patient prognosis: preliminary findings
Authors: Tchernev Georgi , Orfanos C.E. 
Published: January 2007

Background:  Cutaneous melanoma is a tumor with high metastatic potential, but the mechanisms leading to progression are still not fully understood. To provide further molecular basis for understanding the progression of melanoma, the aim of this study was to examine the expression pattern of cell cycle modulators (p21, p27, p53 and Rb) and proapoptotic multidomain Bcl‐2 related proteins (Bax and Bak) and to analyze its differences in patients with and without progression stages.Methods:  We have studied 31 patients with cutaneous melanoma at stage IIa (Breslow thickness 1.5–4.0 mm), and follow them for 10‐year period. Eighteen of these patients developed metastasis. The determination of selected molecular markers participating in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis was performed by immunohistochemistry.Results:  We have observed a significant increase in the loss of expression of the Bax, Bak, p21, p27, p53 and Rb. The analysis of the relationship between these downregulated markers and Breslow thickness showed significant positive correlation (r = 0.556, p = 0.029) and predictive value if thickness below 2.3 mm (OR = 3.0, 95% CI = 0.312–28.84).Conclusions:  Our study showed that the downregulation of the markers associated with cell cycle control and apoptosis is of great value in predicting malignant transformation and in assessing the risk of metastases development for 10‐year follow‐up period.
Endometriosis: clinical monitoring and treatment procedures in Rhesus Monkeys
Authors: Mattison Julie A. , Ottinger Mary Ann , Powell Douglas , Longo Dan L. , Ingram Donald K. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe National Institute on Aging (NIA) sponsored a workshop on September 8, 2004, to discuss the incidence, diagnosis, and clinical treatment of endometriosis in rhesus monkey colonies. Because of the growing number of aging studies using rhesus monkeys, this disease has become more prevalent as monkeys are living into advanced ages in captivity. The objective of the workshop was to gather information from various NIA‐supported aging rhesus colonies on the incidence, clinical manifestations, indicators for early detection, and possible treatment options for endometriosis. Participants outlined a course of action for the effective management of this disease that would best maintain the integrity of long‐term aging studies.
Granulated and Non‐Granulated Decidual Prolactin‐Related Protein‐Positive Decidual Cells in the Pregnant Mouse Endometrium
Authors: Candeloro Luciane , Zorn Telma M.T. 
Published: January 2007

ProblemIdentification of the cell types responsible for the synthesis of decidual prolactin‐related protein (dPRP) in the pregnant mouse endometrium.Method of studyHistochemistry and immunocytochemistry were used to determine peri‐implantation dPRP and perlecan distribution in the mouse uterus.ResultsWe identified dPRP in pre‐decidual and mature decidual cells from days 5 to 12 of pregnancy. On day 8, dPRP immunoreactivity was detected within cytoplasmic granules of a specific population of granulated decidual cells (GDCs). In mesometrial decidual cells, weak immunoreactivity was seen from days 7 to 14. Between days 11 and 14, dPRP was found in cytoplasm and in the extracellular matrix surrounding islands of spongiotrophoblast. Perlecan, a heparan sulfate proteoglycan, was co‐localized with dPRP.ConclusionGDCs are a putative source of dPRP in pregnant mice. Co‐localization of perlecan with dPRP suggests that the former acts as a dPRP reservoir and facilitates its paracrine effect in developing placental tissues.
Combined Thrombophilic Mutations in Women with Unexplained Recurrent Miscarriage
Authors: Sotiriadis Alexandros , Vartholomatos George , Pavlou Matthaios , Kolaitis Nicolaos , Dova Leucothea , Stefos Theodor , Paraskevaidis Evangelos , Kalantaridou Sophia N. 
Published: January 2007

ProblemTo compare the prevalence of five common thrombophilic polymorphisms and their combination in women with recurrent miscarriage and a control group.Method of studyGenomic analysis using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out in patients with two or more miscarriages and controls for Factor V Leiden, Factor V A1299H (HR2), Factor II G20210A, MTHFR C677T and MTHFR A1298C. Secondary analyses were made for number of miscarriages and gestational age at miscarriage.ResultsNone the mutations was associated with significantly increased risk for recurrent miscarriage. The prevalence of combined thrombophilias (4/88 versus 2/88) did not increase the risk for miscarriage (OR 2.04, 95% CI 0.36–11.47). Although virtually all patients with thrombophilia had miscarriages ≤10 weeks, statistical significance was not reached due to the small size of the >10 weeks’ subgroup. There was no difference in the distribution of Factor V Leiden (P = 1.000), FII G20210A (P = 0.652), and MTHFR C677T (P = 0.869) between patients with two and three or more miscarriages, whereas MTHFR A1298C was more common among patients with two miscarriages (P = 0.017).ConclusionsCombinations of the five thrombophilic mutations studied are an uncommon event with heterogeneous pattern and they do not significantly increase the risk for miscarriage.
Local Markers for Prediction of Women at Higher Risk of Developing Sequelae to Chlamydia trachomatis Infection
Authors: Agrawal Tanvi , Vats Vikas , Salhan Sudha , Mittal Aruna 
Published: January 2007

ProblemChlamydial infections are often associated with various fertility‐related disorders. Serological prediction of these has limitations, as they do not differentiate between past and current infections. Thus, we looked for local markers that could predict more precisely women at higher risk of developing severe complications.Method of studyA total of 320 Chlamydia trachomatis positive women with or without fertility disorders were tested for the prevalence of immunoglobulin A antibodies to synthetic peptides of chlamydial heat‐shock protein 60 (cHSP60) and cHSP10 along with cervical interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) and serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels.ResultsPositive IFN‐γ level was the single best predictor for fertility disorder [odds ratio (OR) 15.4]. The predictive value of IFN‐γ could be significantly improved only by the addition of CRP test (OR 37.9).ConclusionPositive IFN‐γ levels in cervical washes along with elevated CRP levels could be used to predict women who are at higher risk of developing fertility disorders.
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Inappropriate Local Immune Response to Sex Hormones
Authors: Itsekson Alek M. , Seidman Daniel S. , Zolti Matityahu , Lazarov Anneta , Carp Howard J.A. 
Published: January 2007

ProblemThe cause of recurrent miscarriage is often unknown. Recurrent miscarriage may be associated with inappropriate responses to progesterone and estrogen. We examined whether the condition may be diagnosed by skin testing.Method of studyIn a longitudinal prospective study, the weal and flare reaction after intradermal injection of estradiol and progesterone was compared in 29 women with recurrent miscarriage to the response in 10 healthy women. Reactions were evaluated after 20 min, 24, and 48 hr and 5 days later.ResultsEstrogen hypersensitivity was found in 23 patients, and progesterone hypersensitivity in 20 patients. No patient in the control group demonstrated sex hormone hypersensitivity.ConclusionRecurrent pregnancy loss may be associated with inappropriate local immune responses to sex hormones. Further research is necessary into the mechanisms of hypersensitivity to estrogen and progesterone and their interactions with other systems.
Audit on extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy of renal and ureteric stones in Tuen Mun Hospital using Dornier Lithotripter S
Authors: Au Wing‐Hang , Yu Cheong , Yung Yee‐Ping , Chan Wai‐Hee , Mah Ida Soo‐Fan , Man Chi‐Wai 
Published: January 2007

Objectives:  We report our results of an audit on extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) of renal and ureteric stones using the Dornier Lithotripter S (Dornier MedTech, Wessling, Germany).Materials and Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed the outcome of ESWL for patients treated between March and December 2003 (pilot). Prospective collection of data was performed for patients treated between October 2004 and March 2005 (re‐audit) after an upgrade to the power unit of our shockwave emitter by the manufacturer in September 2004. Patient demographic data, target stone characteristics and treatment outcome were recorded. Analysis of the results between the two periods was made.Results:  ESWL was performed on 232 and 220 target stones in the pilot and re‐audit periods, respectively. Patient demographic data and stone characteristics were similar between the two periods. Clinical success (stone fragments less than 4 mm in size after one session of ESWL) was achieved in 31% and 61% (stone‐free 19% and 38%) of patients in the pilot and re‐audit periods, respectively (P < 0.0001, χ2 test). Patients requiring re‐treatment with ESWL to achieve success and auxiliary procedure reduced to 8% and 5%, respectively, in the re‐audit period (pilot: 14% and 14%, respectively). The overall complication rate was reduced from 6.2% (pilot) to 3.3% (re‐audit). Obstructive complications significantly reduced from 4.8% to 0.5% (pilot vs re‐audit, Fisher’s exact test, P = 0.012).Conclusion:  Effectiveness of our lithotripter was significantly improved and obstructive complications were significantly reduced after an upgrade to the power unit of the electromagnetic shockwave emitter of our lithotripter.
Optimal surgical treatment for bilateral multinodular goitre
Authors: Karanikolic Aleksandar , Pesic Milica , Djordjevic Nebojsa , Kocic Radivoj , Radenkovic Sasa , Pesic Miomir , Stankovic‐Djordjevic Dobrila 
Published: January 2007

Objective:  In the present study, we compared subtotal thyroidectomy (STT) with total thyroidectomy (TT) in the management of bilateral multinodular goitre.Methods:  A total of 204 consecutive patients with bilateral multinodular goitre were assigned to have either TT (n = 73) or STT (n = 131). Demographic details, hospital stay, biochemical findings, indications for operation and complications were noted.Results:  There was no significant difference in the age and sex ratio between the two groups (P = 0.695 and P = 0.733). According to thyroid functional status, the majority of patients were euthyroid in both groups (73.28%vs 84.90%). Goitre grades II and III presented the most common indication for STT and TT. Hospital stay for patients who underwent TT was significantly longer compared to STT (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the rate of permanent complications.Conclusions:  In the present study, we have shown that the risk of permanent complications with TT is no greater than with STT.
Thermal sensitivity of Phytophthora cinnamomi and long‐term effectiveness of soil solarisation to control avocado root rot
Authors: Gallo L. , Siverio F. , Rodríguez‐Pérez A.‐M. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractRoot rot caused by the fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi is a major disease of avocados worldwide. Heat sensitivity of a collection of P. cinnamomi isolates was determined by exposing agar discs containing mycelium or mycelium plus chlamydospores at various temperatures for different periods. Long‐term effectiveness of soil solarisation to control Phytophthora root rot was evaluated in two field trials. In the first, soil disinfestation by solarisation was applied in 1990 to a naturally infested plot before planting avocado (Persea americana) and viñatigo (Persea indica) seedlings. In the second trial, established avocado trees were solarised for four consecutive summers (1996–1999). Results for heat sensitivity showed that fungal mycelium was inactivated after 1–2 h at 38°C. However, 1–2 h at 40°C was needed to kill all propagules when chlamydospores were present. Fungal growth inhibition after thermal treatments was related to levels of time and temperature, and detrimental effects occurred as consequence of sublethal thermal doses. Soil solarisation presented long‐term positive effects when applied as a preplanting treatment. Five years after solarisation, disease severity (0–5 scale where 0 = healthy and 5 = dead plant) of avocado and viñatigo planted in solarised soil was 2.03 and 0.71, respectively, compared with 4.65 and 4.84 in controls. Eleven years after solarisation, the percentage of dead plants in solarised soil was 73% for avocado and 43% for viñatigo but 100% in controls. In contrast, an insufficient level of control was observed in established orchards, probably because of the lower temperature reached during solarisation under the shade of tree canopy. In this situation, maximum temperatures at 5‐cm depth were 10–13.7°C lower than under solar‐heated mulch, only exceeding 40°C in 1997.
Syntactic Priming
Authors: Branigan Holly 
Published: January 2007

AbstractSyntactic priming effects, or the tendency to repeat syntactic structure across otherwise unrelated utterances, have been extensively investigated over the last two decades. Because such effects rely upon the language processor recognising a syntactic relationship between two utterances, they offer a versatile behavioural tool for investigating how syntactic structure is represented by the human cognitive system. In this paper, we review existing evidence to show that such effects can be truly syntactic in nature, and that they suggest syntactic representations that in many ways resemble strikingly those proposed by theoretical linguists on the basis of nonbehavioural measures. We suggest that there is a surprising dichotomy between the pervasiveness of such effects in contexts involving language production and their apparent elusiveness in language comprehension. We consider how syntactic priming research can cast light on issues of theoretical linguistic interest, including language use in special populations, and evaluate alternative explanations for the effects.
Protection against Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) Infection through Passive Transfer of PRRSV-Neutralizing Antibodies Is Dose Dependent
Authors: Lopez O. J. , Oliveira M. F. , Garcia E. Alvarez , Kwon B. J. , Doster A. , Osorio F. A. 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTPrevious work in our laboratory demonstrated that passive transfer of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)-neutralizing antibodies (NA) protected pregnant sows against reproductive failure and conferred sterilizing immunity in sows and offspring. We report here on the dose requirement for protection by passive transfer with NA in young weaned pigs. The presence of a 1:8 titer of PRRSV-NA in serum consistently protected pigs against viremia. Nevertheless, their lungs, tonsils, buffy coat cells, and peripheral lymph nodes contained replicating PRRSV similar to the infected control group. Likewise, these animals excreted infectious virus to sentinels similar to the infectivity control animals. In an attempt to reach complete protective immunity equivalent to that previously observed in sows, the pigs were transferred with a higher titer of PRRSV-NA (1:32), and even then apparent sterilizing immunity was attained in only 50% of the animals. In conclusion, the presence of anti-PRRSV-NA in serum with a titer of 1:8 is enough to block viremia but not peripheral tissue seeding and transmission to contact animals. While a relatively low level of NA in blood is capable of conferring sterilizing immunity against PRRSV in sows, the amount of NA necessary to obtain full protection of a young weaned pig would be significantly higher, suggesting that differences exist in the PRRSV pathogenesis between both age groups. In addition, the titer of NA could be a helpful parameter of protection in the assessment of PRRSV vaccines.