bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ownership structure and investment finance in transition economies A survey of evidence from large firms in Hungary and Poland1
Authors: Filatotchev Igor , Isachenkova Natalia , Mickiewicz Tomasz 
Published: July 2007

AbstractUsing survey data on 157 large private Hungarian and Polish companies this paper investigates links between ownership structures and CEOs’ expectations with regard to sources of finance for investment. The Bayesian estimation is used to deal with the small sample restrictions, while classical methods provide robustness checks. We found a hump‐shaped relationship between ownership concentration and expectations of relying on public equity. The latter is most likely for firms where the largest investor owns between 25 percent and 49 percent of shares, just below the legal control threshold. More profitable firms rely on retained earnings for their investment finance, consistent with the ‘pecking order’ theory of financing. Finally, firms for which the largest shareholder is a domestic institutional investor are more likely to borrow from domestic banks.
The effects of difficulty and gain versus loss on vocal physiology and acoustics
Authors: Johnstone Tom , Van Reekum Carien M. , Bänziger Tanja , Hird Kathryn , Kirsner Kim , Scherer Klaus R. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractTo examine the basis of emotional changes to the voice, physiological and electroglottal measures were combined with acoustic speech analysis of 30 men performing a computer task in which they lost or gained points under two levels of difficulty. Predictions of the main effects of difficulty and reward on the voice were not borne out by the data. Instead, vocal changes depended largely on interactions between gain versus loss and difficulty. The rate at which the vocal folds open and close (fundamental frequency;f0) was higher for loss than for gain when difficulty was high, but not when difficulty was low. Electroglottal measures revealed thatf0changes corresponded to shorter glottal open times for the loss conditions. Longer closed and shorter open phases were consistent with raised laryngeal tension in difficult loss conditions. Similarly, skin conductance indicated higher sympathetic arousal in loss than gain conditions, particularly when difficulty was high. The results provide evidence of the physiological basis of affective vocal responses, confirming the utility of measuring physiology and voice in the study of emotion.
Functional genomic approach to identify novel genes involved in the regulation of oxidative stress resistance and animal lifespan
Authors: Kim Yongsoon , Sun Hong 
Published: July 2007

SummaryGenetic studies in many organisms suggest that an increased animal lifespan phenotype is often accompanied by enhanced resistance toward reactive oxygen species (ROS). In Caenorhabditis elegans, mutations in daf‐2, which encode an insulin/insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor‐like molecule, lead to an extended animal lifespan and increased resistance to ROS. We have optimized an assay to monitor ROS resistance in worms using the ROS‐generating chemical paraquat. We have employed this assay to screen the RNAi library along chromosomes III and IV for genes that, when silenced, confer paraquat resistance. The positive RNAi clones were subsequently screened for a lifespan extension phenotype. Using this approach, we have identified 84 genes that, when inactivated by RNAi, lead to significant increases in animal lifespan. Among the 84 genes, 29 were found to act in a manner dependent on daf‐16. DAF‐16, a forkhead transcription factor, is known to integrate signals from multiple pathways, including the daf‐2 pathway, to regulate animal lifespan. Most of the 84 genes have not been previously linked to aging, and potentially participate in important cellular processes such as signal transduction, cell–cell interaction, gene expression, protein degradation, and energy metabolism. Our screen has also identified a group of genes that potentially function in a nutrient‐sensing pathway to regulate lifespan in C. elegans. Our study provides a novel approach to identify genes involved in the regulation of aging.
Craniotomy with Cystoperitoneal Shunting for Treatment of Intracranial Arachnoid Cysts in Dogs
Authors: DEWEY CURTIS W. , KROTSCHECK URSULA , BAILEY KERRY S. , MARINO DOMINIC J. 
Published: July 2007

Objective— To describe a technique of decompressive craniotomy with cystoperitoneal shunt (CPS) placement for treatment of canine intracranial arachnoid cyst (IAC), and to evaluate outcome in 4 dogs.Study Design— Retrospective study.Animals— Dogs (n=4) with IAC.Methods— Medical records of dogs diagnosed with IAC by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; 3 dogs) or computed tomography (CT; 1 dog) were evaluated. All dogs had varying degrees of neurologic dysfunction before surgery. A combined lateral (rostrotentorial)/suboccipital craniotomy was performed sacrificing the transverse sinus on the operated side. The rostral (ventricular) end of a low‐pressure valve shunt (3.0 mm outer diameter, 7.0 cm length) was placed transversely into the cyst cavity; the distal end was placed in the peritoneal cavity. All dogs were rechecked at various intervals by ≥1 of the authors either directly, by telephone consultation with owners, or both. Three dogs were imaged postoperatively (CT–1 dog; MRI–1; ultrasonography–1).Results— Intraoperative complications were limited to excessive transverse sinus hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion in 1 dog. There were no postoperative complications. Clinical signs of neurologic dysfunction resolved in 3 dogs and improved substantially in 1 dog. The latter dog required long‐term, low‐dose corticosteroid therapy. No dogs required repeat surgery. Mean follow‐up time was 23.8 months (range, 12–43 months). Collapse of the intracranial cyst was verified in 3 dogs with repeat imaging. In 2 dogs, there was no evidence of the cyst on CT or MRI; in the third dog, a small amount of fluid was demonstrated rostral to the cerebellum on ultrasonography, but there was no identifiable cyst. In 1 dog, the rostral aspect of the shunt had shifted; however, this was not associated with any clinical deterioration.Conclusion— Craniotomy with CPS placement was well tolerated and resulted in sustained improvement or resolution of dysfunction. Cyst decompression was verified in 3 dogs that were re‐imaged. None of the patients required re‐operation. Excessive transverse sinus hemorrhage is a potential danger that may necessitate blood transfusion. Other IAC patients treated with this method will need to be evaluated to fully evaluate its effectiveness.Clinical Significance— Craniotomy with CPS placement may be an effective treatment method for dogs clinically affected with IAC.
Assessment of Decompressive Surgery in Dogs with Degenerative Lumbosacral Stenosis Using Force Plate Analysis and Questionnaires
Authors: SUWANKONG NIYADA , MEIJ BJÖRN P. , VAN KLAVEREN NICOLIEN J. , VAN WEES ANK M.T.C. , MEIJER ELLEN , VAN DEN BROM WALTER E. , HAZEWINKEL HERMAN A.W. 
Published: July 2007

Objective—To evaluate the long‐term outcome after decompressive surgery in dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLS), using force plate analysis (FPA) and owner questionnaires.Study Design—Prospective clinical study.Animals—Dogs with DLS (n=31) and 24 clinically normal Labrador Retrievers.Methods—FPA was performed before surgery (31 dogs) and at 3 days, 6 weeks, 6 months (each, 31 dogs) and ≥1.5 years (12 dogs) after surgery. Peak vertical forces (Fz+), braking (Fy+), and propulsive forces (Fy−), and the corresponding impulses were determined. Questionnaires were completed by the owners before and at 6 months and ≥1.5 years after surgery.Results—Fy−of the pelvic limbs and the ratio pelvic/thoracic of Fy−(P/TFy−) were significantly smaller in dogs with DLS than controls. Fy−and P/TFy−decreased significantly 3 days after surgery, and increased during 6 months follow‐up, but with long‐term follow‐up the values remained the same and were smaller than controls. From questionnaires there was a significant improvement after surgery compared with function before surgery. Most owners were satisfied with outcome after surgery.Conclusions—Propulsive forces of the pelvic limbs in dogs with DLS are impaired and are partially restored by decompressive surgery.Clinical Relevance—Owner's questionnaires illustrate that decompressive surgery restores function as perceived by owners whereas FPA continues to show impaired propulsive forces for the pelvic limbs.
Preliminary Anatomic Investigation of Three Approaches to the Equine Cranium and Brain for Limited Craniectomy Procedures
Authors: KRAMER JOANNE , COATES JOAN R. , HOFFMAN ANTON G. , FRAPPIER BRIAN L. 
Published: July 2007

Objective—To describe surgical approaches to the equine cranium and brain for limited craniectomy.Study Design—Descriptive anatomic study.Sample Population—Equine cadavers (n=7).Methods—Head and neck sections from cadavers were used to establish techniques for exposing areas of the equine brain. Three basic approaches were used: rostrotentorial, suboccipital, and transfrontal. Techniques were adapted from small animal descriptions and modified to account for anatomic differences.Results—Descriptions of the rostrotentorial, suboccipital, and transfrontal approaches to the equine cranium and brain were defined.Conclusions—Dorsal, caudal, lateral, and rostral aspects of the cranium and underlying cerebral cortex can be accessed using the rostrotentorial, suboccipital, and transfrontal approaches. Access to the dorsal, dorsolateral, and rostral aspects of the cerebral cortex is uncomplicated and more superficial compared with access to the extreme caudolateral cerebrum and cerebellum, which is complicated by the location of the transverse and temporal sinuses and deep exposure.Clinical Relevance—Many cases of equine brain disorders involve intracranial abscessation or hematoma formation because of trauma. Components of therapy may include microbial culture and surgical drainage or decompression of the affected area through limited craniectomy procedures. Increased use of advanced imaging in equine brain disease has resulted in earlier diagnosis and more precise lesion localization. Subsequently, the number of horses likely to improve with limited surgical intervention has increased. When surgery is indicated, descriptions of surgical approaches to the equine cranium and brain provide important information.
The Anxiety of Daughterhood, or Using Bloom to Read Women Writers: The Cases of Louisa May Alcott and Virginia Woolf
Authors: Jensen Meg 
Published: July 2007

Abstract‘The process of literary influence is a battle between strong equals, father and sons.’ So wrote Harold Bloom in The Anxiety of Influence. But what of literary daughters? Can Bloom's work offer insights into the dynamics of literary influence for daughters as well as sons? Louisa May Alcott and Virginia Woolf were writer‐daughters of writer‐fathers who anxiously negotiated familial patriarchy and patriarchal literary history in their texts. In examinations of the power of fathers over the words of daughters, moreover, critics of Alcott and Woolf allude explicitly or otherwise to the theories of Bloom, the ‘father’ of influence studies. What happens when we apply Bloom's ideas to women's writing? Alcott's Little Women and the so‐called ‘Thrillers’ that she published anonymously offer very different images of daughterhood. When read alongside Bloom, these contradictions suggest Alcott's anxious relation to the influence of her father Bronson, the education reformer and leading member of the Transcendentalist movement. Like Louisa Alcott, Virginia Woolf negotiated her father's personal and public legacy in complex ways. In her writing from ‘A Sketch of the Past’, to To the Lighthouse, Sir Leslie Stephen's characteristic academic and mountaineering tropes may be seen to surface repeatedly. Bloom's model of literary influence as an anxiety towards a father figure that is ‘achieved’ within the writing offers new insights into the works of both women: in their writing Alcott and Woolf confronted their fathers’ legacies. That the personal and public battleground for these confrontations between father and daughter was writing suggests both the usefulness and limitations of Bloom's model for understanding the dynamics of literary influence upon women writers, and points to a new area of study for scholars of writing women.
An audit of patient satisfaction with uro‐oncology nurse specialists – a questionnaire study
Authors: Masood Junaid , Forristal Helen , Cornes Robert , Vandal Mohammed T. , Gujral Sandeep S. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractSpecialist nurses have an established role in the management of urological cancer in helping patients to understand their disease and treatment options and in offering counselling and emotional support. There is evidence to suggest that patients who see the nurse specialist express more satisfaction and have less anxiety than those who see junior doctors. Other studies have found that the specialist nurses’ clinical expertise compared favourably with that of other clinicians. This audit aimed to assess the patient satisfaction with uro‐oncology nurse specialists and their nurse‐led clinics. One hundred, 15‐point patient satisfaction questionnaires were sent to new and existing patients with urological cancer who had been randomly identified by the uro‐oncology nurse specialist. The questions were concerned with the provision of information to patients and with the satisfaction of the nurse specialist service. The results showed that patients found contact with the uro‐oncology nurse specialist supportive, informative and beneficial to their treatment. The authors felt that raising the profile of the uro‐oncology nurse specialist would be beneficial to patient treatment and care.
A Human Anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosaSerotype O6ad Immunoglobulin G1 Expressed in Transgenic Tobacco Is Capable of Recruiting Immune System Effector Function In Vitro
Authors: McLean Michael D. , Almquist Kurt C. , Niu Yongfing , Kimmel Rhonda , Lai Zengzu , Schreiber John R. , Hall J. Christopher 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTThe production of a recombinant human IgG1 in transgenic tobacco was examined to determine whether a plant-derived antibody could recruit immune system effector function against a bacterial pathogen. A plant transformation vector was engineered to contain genes for a human kappa light chain and a human gamma-1 heavy chain with VHand VLsequences from a previously identified human IgG2 monoclonal antibody (MAb) that specifically binds to and opsonizesPseudomonas aeruginosaserotype O6ad. Unique NcoI and NotI restriction sites were incorporated to flank these variable sequences, resulting in a plant transformation vector that could be engineered for expression of any other human IgG1 antibody, requiring only the substitution of other VHand VLantigen-binding coding sequences. The plant-produced IgG1 was determined to have high-mannose glycan content and to be capable of mediating opsonophagocytosis ofP. aeruginosaserotype O6ad in vitro using human complement and human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Thus, MAbs produced in plants from this vector could provide human IgG1 MAbs for targeting other pathogens that require the recruitment of immune system effector functions.
Pharmacokinetics of Single- and Multiple-Dose Oral Clarithromycin in Soft Tissues Determined by Microdialysis
Authors: Traunmüller Friederike , Zeitlinger Markus , Zeleny Petra , Müller Markus , Joukhadar Christian 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

The antimicrobial spectrum of clarithromycin renders this antibiotic a frequently used option in the treatment of skin and soft-tissue infections. In most cases, these infections are caused by extracellularly proliferating microorganisms. Thus, clarithromycin concentrations achieved in the interstitial space are considered particularly important for clinical efficacy. In the present study, clarithromycin concentrations in plasma and interstitial-space fluid of subcutaneous adipose tissue and skeletal muscle of six healthy male volunteers were assessed by means of the microdialysis technique after oral single-dose administration of 250 mg and multiple doses of 500 mg of clarithromycin twice a day (b.i.d.). The ratios of the area under the concentration-time curve of free clarithromycin from 0 to 24 h calculated for a single dose of 250 mg (
f
AUC
0-24
) in interstitial-space fluid to the
f
AUC
0-24
in plasma were 0.29 ± 0.17 and 0.42 ± 0.18 for subcutis and skeletal muscle, respectively. For 500 mg of clarithromycin at the steady state (3 to 5 days of intake twice daily), the
f
AUC
0-24(b.i.d.)
ratios at the steady state were 0.39 ± 0.04 and 0.41 ± 0.19 for subcutis and skeletal muscle, respectively. The half-life was around 2 h after a single dose but increased to approximately 4 h in plasma and tissues after repetitive clarithromycin administration. Based on subsequently performed pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic calculations, a dosing regimen of 500 mg b.i.d. may be ineffective in the treatment of soft-tissue infections caused by pathogens with a drug MIC higher than 0.125 mg/liter.
An Anti-β-Glucan Monoclonal Antibody Inhibits Growth and Capsule Formation of
Cryptococcus neoformans
In Vitro and Exerts Therapeutic, Anticryptococcal Activity In Vivo
Authors: Rachini Anna , Pietrella Donatella , Lupo Patrizia , Torosantucci Antonella , Chiani Paola , Bromuro Carla , Proietti Carla , Bistoni Francesco , Cassone Antonio , Vecchiarelli Anna 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

In this study we tested the in vitro and in vivo anti-
Cryptococcus neoformans
activity of an antilaminarin (anti-β-glucan) monoclonal antibody (MAb 2G8) (immunoglobulin G2b) which was previously shown to inhibit the growth of β-glucan-exposing
Candida albicans
cells. Here we show that MAb 2G8 binds to the cell wall of
C. neoformans
and inhibits its growth to an extent comparable to that observed for
C. albicans
. Binding and growth inhibition were detected almost equally for encapsulated and acapsular
C. neoformans
strains. In addition, at subinhibitory concentrations, MAb 2G8 reduced the capsule thickness without affecting protease or phospholipase production. Acapsular fungal cells, but not encapsulated fungal cells, were opsonized by the antibody and more efficiently phagocytosed and killed by human monocytes and by murine peritoneal macrophages. A single administration of MAb 2G8 resulted in a reduction in the fungal burden in the brains and livers of mice systemically infected with a highly virulent, encapsulated
C. neoformans
strain. This protective effect was also detected in neutropenic mice. Overall, these findings demonstrate that cell wall β-glucan of encapsulated
C. neoformans
is accessible to antibodies which can exert remarkable anticryptococcal activities in vitro and in vivo.
Heligmosomoides polygyrusPromotes Regulatory T-Cell Cytokine Production in the Murine Normal Distal Intestine
Authors: Setiawan Tommy , Metwali Ahmed , Blum Arthur M. , Ince M. Nedim , Urban Joseph F. , Elliott David E. , Weinstock Joel V. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTHelminths down-regulate inflammation and may prevent development of several autoimmune illnesses, such as inflammatory bowel disease. We determined if exposure to the duodenal helminthHeligmosomoides polygyrusestablishes cytokine pathways in the distal intestine that may protect from intestinal inflammation. Mice received 200H. polygyruslarvae and were studied 2 weeks later. Lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMC) were isolated from the terminal ileum for analysis and in vitro experiments. Mice withH. polygyruswere resistant to trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis, a Th1 cytokine-dependent inflammation.Heligmosomoides polygyrusdid not change the normal microscopic appearance of the terminal ileum and colon and minimally affected LPMC composition. However, colonization altered LPMC cytokine profiles, blocking gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and interleukin 12 (IL-12) p40 release but promoting IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IL-10 secretion. IL-10 blockade in vitro with anti-IL-10 receptor (IL-10R) monoclonal antibody restored LPMC IFN-γ and IL-12 p40 secretion. IL-10 blockade in vivo worsened TNBS colitis inH. polygyrus-colonized mice. Lamina propria CD4+T cells isolated from colonized mice inhibited IFN-γ production by splenic T cells from worm-free mice. This inhibition did not require cell contact and was dependent on IL-10.Heligmosomoides polygyruscolonization inhibits Th1 and promotes Th2 and regulatory cytokine production in distant intestinal regions without changing histology or LPMC composition. IL-10 is particularly important for limiting the Th1 response. The T-cell origin of these cytokines demonstrates mucosal regulatory T-cell induction.
Functional interplay between endothelial nitric oxide synthase and membrane type 1–matrix metalloproteinase in migrating endothelial cells
Authors: Genís Laura , Gonzalo Pilar , Tutor Antonio S. , Gálvez Beatriz G. , Martínez-Ruiz Antonio , Zaragoza Carlos , Lamas Santiago , Tryggvason Karl , Apte Suneel S. , Arroyo Alicia G. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is essential for vascular homeostasis and is also a critical modulator of angiogenesis; however, the molecular mechanisms of NO action during angiogenesis remain elusive. We have investigated the potential relationship between NO and membrane type 1–matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) during endothelial migration and capillary tube formation. Endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) colocalizes with MT1-MMP at motility-associated structures in migratory human endothelial cells (ECs); moreover, NO is produced at these structures and is released into the medium during EC migration. We have therefore addressed 2 questions: (1) the putative regulation of MT1-MMP by NO in migratory ECs; and (2) the requirement for MT1-MMP in NO-induced EC migration and tube formation. NO upregulates MT1-MMP membrane clustering on migratory human ECs, and this is accompanied by increased degradation of type I collagen substrate. MT1-MMP membrane expression and localization are impaired in lung ECs from eNOS-deficient mice, and these cells also show impaired migration and tube formation in vitro. Inhibition of MT1-MMP with a neutralizing antibody impairs NOinduced tube formation by human ECs, and NO-induced endothelial migration and tube formation are impaired in lung ECs from mice deficient in MT1-MMP. MT1-MMP thus appears to be a key molecular effector of NO during the EC migration and angiogenic processes, and is a potential therapeutic target for NO-associated vascular disorders.