bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Market Timing and Managerial Portfolio Decisions
Authors: JENTER DIRK 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTThis paper provides evidence that top managers have contrarian views on firm value. Managers' perceptions of fundamental value diverge systematically from market valuations, and perceived mispricing seems an important determinant of managers' decision making. Insider trading patterns shows that low valuation firms are regarded as undervalued by their own managers relative to high valuation firms. This finding is robust to controlling for noninformation motivated trading. Further evidence links managers' private portfolio decisions to changes in corporate capital structures, suggesting that managers try to actively time the market both in their private trades and in firm‐level decisions.
Do Insiders Learn from Outsiders? Evidence from Mergers and Acquisitions
Authors: LUO YUANZHI 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTI find that the market reaction to a merger and acquisition (M&A) announcement predicts whether the companies later consummate the deal. The relation cannot be explained by the market's anticipation of the closing decision or its perception of the deal quality at the announcement. Merging companies appear to extract information from the market reaction and later consider it in closing the deal. Furthermore, the relation varies with deal characteristics, suggesting that companies seem to have a higher incentive to learn from the market when canceling the announced deal is easier or when the market has more information that the companies do not know.
The Impact of Bank Consolidation on Commercial Borrower Welfare
Authors: KARCESKI JASON , ONGENA STEVEN , SMITH DAVID C. 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTWe estimate the impact of bank merger announcements on borrowers' stock prices for publicly traded Norwegian firms. Borrowers of target banks lose about 0.8% in equity value, while borrowers of acquiring banks earn positive abnormal returns, suggesting that borrower welfare is influenced by a strategic focus favoring acquiring borrowers. Bank mergers lead to higher relationship exit rates among borrowers of target banks. Larger merger‐induced increases in relationship termination rates are associated with less negative abnormal returns, suggesting that firms with low switching costs switch banks, while similar firms with high switching costs are locked into their current relationship.
Practical Aspects in the Management of Vaginal Atrophy and Sexual Dysfunction in Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Goldstein Irwin , Alexander Jeanne Leventhal 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The decline in circulating estrogen levels in peri- and postmenopause has a wide range of physiological effects, including atrophy of tissues in the urogenital tract. Vaginal atrophy is an important contributor to postmenopausal sexual dysfunction.

Aim
To provide a framework for clinical evaluation and clinical management of sexual dysfunction secondary to vaginal atrophy.

Method
Conduct a brief overview of literature on evaluation and treatment of vaginal atrophy, augmented with the authors’ clinical observations and experience.

Results
Estrogen decline disrupts many physiological responses characteristic of sexual arousal, including smooth muscle relaxation, vasocongestion, and vaginal lubrication; genital tissues depend on continued estrogen and androgen stimulation for normal function. An upward shift in vaginal pH as the result of vaginal atrophy alters the normal vaginal flora. Reduced lubrication capability and reduced tissue elasticity, in addition to shortening and narrowing of the vaginal vault, can lead to painful and/or unpleasant intercourse. At the same time, diminished sensory response may reduce orgasmic intensity. Other contributors to peri- and postmenopausal sexual dysfunction include reduced androgen levels, aging of multiple body systems, and side-effects of medications. Workup of sexual health problems starts by taking a comprehensive sexual, medical, and psychosocial history, followed by complete physical examination and laboratory evaluation. Clinical management includes measures to preserve and enhance overall health, adjustment of medication regimes to reduce or avoid side-effects, and topical or systemic hormone supplementation with estrogens and/or androgens.

Conclusions
No single therapeutic approach is appropriate for every woman with peri- or postmenopausal sexual dysfunction; instead, treatment should be based on a comprehensive evaluation and consideration of medical and psychosocial contributors to the individual's dysfunction. Further research is required to establish optimal regimens of hormonal and nonhormonal agents, including dosages/dosage forms and duration of treatment, for specific subtypes of sexual dysfunction.
A COMPARISON OF METHODS FOR MONITORING INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES IN TASTE SELECTION TESTS
Authors: CALVIÑO AMALIA , GARRIDO DELIA , DRUNDAY FABIÁN , TAMASI OLGA 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACT The evaluation of panel performance was made by three methods: average of correct responses (A), comparison of distances of individual standardized judgments to the average standardized responses (D) and a principal components analysis (PCA). Thirty assessors identified water and basic tastes and discriminated different sweet stimuli in neutral or acidified vehicles using R‐index rating and ranking tests. By A and D methods 22 assessors were qualified as proficient. Composition of both panels was identical except for one judge. The output from PCA provided a graphical representation of the performance of the assessors and retained different subsets of 24–26 panelists for different proposals as discrimination of sweetness in acidified beverages, recognition of bitterness, sourness and discrimination of slight sweetness or evaluation of saltiness.
Which Formulation Allows Using a Constant Shear Modulus for
Small-Strain Buckling of Soft-Core Sandwich Structures?
Authors: Bažant Zdeněk P. , Beghini Alessandro 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Although the stability theories energetically associated with different finite strain measures are mutually equivalent if the tangential moduli are properly transformed as a function of stress, only one theory can allow the use of a constant shear modulus G if the strains are small and the material deforms in the linear elastic range. Recently it was shown that, in the case of heterogeneous orthotropic structures very soft in shear, the choice of theory to use is related to the problem of proper homogenization and depends on the type of structure. An example is the difference between Engesser’s and Haringx’s formulas for critical load of columns with shear, which were shown to be energetically associated with Green’s and Almansi’s Lagrangian finite strain tensors. In a previous brief paper of the authors in a conference special issue, it was concluded on the basis of energy arguments that, for constant G, Engesser’s formula is correct for sandwich columns and Haringx’s formula for elastomeric bearings, but no supporting experimental results were presented. To present them, is the main purpose of this technical brief.
Reduced Vascular Remodeling, Endothelial Dysfunction, and Oxidative Stress in Resistance Arteries of Angiotensin II–Infused Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor–Deficient Mice
Authors: De Ciuceis Carolina , Amiri Farhad , Brassard Pascal , Endemann Dierk H. , Touyz Rhian M. , Schiffrin Ernesto L. 
Published: August 2005

Objective—Angiotensin (Ang) II-induced vascular damage may be partially mediated by reactive oxygen species generation and inflammation. Homozygous osteopetrotic mice (Op/Op), deficient in macrophage colony-stimulating factor (m-CSF), exhibit reduced inflammation. We therefore investigated Ang II effects on vascular structure, function, and oxidant stress generation in this model.Methods and Results—Adult Op/Op, heterozygous (Op/+), and wild type (+/+) mice underwent 14-day Ang II (1000 ng/kg per minute) or saline infusion. Blood pressure (BP) was assessed by radiotelemetry, mesenteric resistance artery vascular reactivity was studied on a pressurized myograph, and vascular superoxide and NAD(P)H oxidase activity by lucigenin chemiluminescence. Ang II increased BP in Op/+ and +/+ mice but not in Op/Op. Ang II-treated Op/+ and +/+ mice showed reduced acetylcholine-mediated relaxation (maximal relaxation, respectively, 64% and 67% versus 84% and 93% in respective controls;P<0.05), which was unaffected byl-NAME. Ang II-infused Op/Op mice arteries showed significantly less endothelial dysfunction than vehicle-infused counterparts (maximal relaxation 87% versus 96% in shams). Resistance arteries from Ang II-infused +/+ and Op/+ mice had significantly increased media-to-lumen ratio and media thickness, neither of which was altered in Op/Op mice compared with untreated littermates. Vascular media cross-sectional area, NAD(P)H oxidase activity and expression, and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 expression were significantly increased by Ang II only in +/+ mice (P<0.05).Conclusions—m-CSF–deficient mice (Op/Op) developed less endothelial dysfunction, vascular remodeling, and oxidative stress induced by Ang II than +/+ littermates, suggesting a critical role of m-CSF and proinflammatory mediators in Ang II-induced vascular injury.
Practical Management of Patients With Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Corbett Cynthia F. 
Published: August 2005

Purpose Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) has a significant impact on patients’ quality of life, affecting sleep, mood, mobility, ability to work, interpersonal relationships, overall self-worth, and independence. The purpose of this article is to provide diabetes educators with current and essential tools for PDN assessment and management. Methods Medline and CINAHL database searches identified publications on the assessment and treatment of PDN. Identified research was evaluated, and information pertinent to diabetes educators was summarized. Results Recent advancements in assessment of neuropathic pain include identifying characteristics that distinguish between neuropathic and nonneuropathic pain. In the absence of treatment, research demonstrates that nerve damage may progress while pain diminishes. Many disease-modifying and symptom-management treatment options are available. Conclusion Good glycemic control is the first priority for both prevention and management of PDN. However, even with good glycemic control, up to 20% of patients will develop PDN. PDN recognition and assessment are critical to optimize management. Although several treatment modalities are available, few patients obtain complete pain relief. Recent advances in understanding the mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain should lead to better treatment and patient outcomes. Combination therapy, including nonpharmacologic modalities, may be required. Research evaluating the efficacy of combination therapy is needed.
AIDS-related lymphoproliferative disease
Authors: Navarro Willis H. , Kaplan Lawrence D. 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Not long after the recognition of HIV as the causative agent of AIDS, it was evident that individuals infected with HIV developed lymphoma at a greater rate than the population at large. Approximately two thirds of AIDS-related lymphoma (ARL) cases are categorized as diffuse large B-cell type, with Burkitt lymphomas comprising 25% and other histologies a much smaller proportion. Typically, these individuals have presented with advanced extranodal disease and CD4+ lymphocyte counts of less than 200/mm3. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated a better outcome with chemotherapy for ARL since the introduction of combination antiretroviral treatment, termed highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). For patients with relapses, solid evidence points to the safety and utility of hematopoietic-cell transplantation as a salvage modality. Coinfection with other viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus have led to the genesis of previously rare or unrecognized lymphoma subtypes such as plasmablastic and primary effusion lymphomas. The immunosuppressive impact of treatment for patients with ARL receiving chemotherapy with HAART appears transient and opportunistic infections have become less problematic than prior to HAART. Significant progress has been made in the understanding and management of ARL but outcomes still remain inferior compared to those achieved in HIV- individuals.
A role for MCP-1/CCR2 in interstitial lung disease in children
Authors: Hartl Dominik , Griese Matthias , Nicolai Thomas , Zissel Gernot , Prell Christine , Reinhardt Dietrich , Schendel Dolores J , Krauss-Etschmann Susanne 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackgroundInterstitial lung diseases (ILD) are chronic inflammatory disorders leading to pulmonary fibrosis. Monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) promotes collagen synthesis and deletion of the MCP-1 receptor CCR2 protects from pulmonary fibrosis in ILD mouse models. We hypothesized that pulmonary MCP-1 and CCR2+T cells accumulate in pediatric ILD and are related to disease severity.MethodsBronchoalveolar lavage fluid was obtained from 25 children with ILD and 10 healthy children. Levels of pulmonary MCP-1 and Th1/Th2-associated cytokines were quantified at the protein and the mRNA levels. Pulmonary CCR2+, CCR4+, CCR3+, CCR5+and CXCR3+T cells were quantified by flow-cytometry.ResultsCCR2+T cells and MCP-1 levels were significantly elevated in children with ILD and correlated with forced vital capacity, total lung capacity and ILD disease severity scores. Children with lung fibrosis had significantly higher MCP-1 levels and CCR2+T cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid compared to non-fibrotic children.ConclusionThe results indicate that pulmonary CCR2+T cells and MCP-1 contribute to the pathogenesis of pediatric ILD and might provide a novel target for therapeutic strategies.
Low-magnesium, trans-cleavage activity by type III, tertiary stabilized hammerhead ribozymes with stem 1 discontinuities
Authors: Burke Donald H , Greathouse S Travis 
Published: August 2005

Abstract

Background
Low concentrations of free magnesium in the intracellular environment can present critical limitations for hammerhead ribozymes, especially for those that are designed for intermolecular (trans) cleavage of a host or pathogen RNA. Tertiary stabilizing motifs (TSM's) from natural and artificial ribozymes with a "type I" topology have been exploited to stabilize trans-cleaving hammerheads. Ribozymes with "type II" or "type III" topologies might seem incompatible with conversion to trans-cleavage designs, because opening the loop at the end of stem 1 or stem 2 to accommodate substrate binding is expected to disrupt the TSM and eliminate tertiary stabilization.

Results
Stem 1, together with single-stranded segments capping or internal to this stem, contains both the substrate-binding and tertiary stabilization functions. This stem was made discontinuous within the sTRSV hammerhead ribozyme, thereby separating the two functions into discrete structural segments. The resulting ribozyme, designated "RzC," cleaved its 13 nucleotide target substrate at MgCl2 concentrations as low as 0.2 mM at 25°C and 0.5 mM at 37°C. Under multiple-turnover conditions, nearly thirty turnovers were observed at the highest substrate:RzC ribozyme ratios. Similar stabilization was observed for several derivatives of RzC. Catalytic activity was diminished or eliminated at sub-millimolar MgCl2 concentrations for ribozymes with weakened or deleted tertiary interactions. Eadie-Hofstee analysis revealed that the stabilized and non-stabilized ribozymes bind their substrates with equivalent affinities, suggesting that differences in observed activity are not the result of diminished binding. Some of the stabilized and non-stabilized ribozymes appear to fold into a heterogeneous collection of conformers, only a subset of which are catalytically active.

Conclusion
Hammerhead ribozymes with the "type III" topology can be converted to a tertiary, trans-cleavage design. Separating the stabilization and substrate recognition functions of stem 1 increases cleavage activity at physiological concentrations of divalent magnesium while retaining recognition of exogenous targets. Trans-cleaving ribozymes that exploit the tertiary stabilizing motifs of all natural hammerhead topologies can therefore be used in intracellular applications.
Development of novel heminested PCR assays based on mitochondrial 16s rRNA gene for identification of seven pecora species
Authors: Guha Saurav , Kashyap VK 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Background
Characterization of molecular markers and the development of better assays for precise and rapid detection of wildlife species are always in demand. This study describes a set of seven novel heminested PCR assays using specific primers designed based on species-specific polymorphism at the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene for identification of Blackbuck, Goral, Nilgai, Hog deer, Chital, Sambar and Thamin deer.

Results
The designed heminested PCR assays are two consecutive amplifications of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. In the first stage, ~550 bp region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified by PCR using template DNA and universal primers. In the second stage, a species-specific internal region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified by PCR using the amplicon of the first PCR along with one universal primer and another species-specific primer as the reverse or forward primer. The amplicon generated after two consecutive amplifications was highly unique to target species. These assays were successfully validated for sensitivity, specificity, and ruggedness under a wide range of conditions.

Conclusion
The validation experiments confirm that the designed heminested PCR assays for identification of the seven species are highly specific, sensitive, reliable and provide a reproducible method allowing analysis of low copy number DNA recovered from decomposed or highly processed tissues. The assays for identification of other species could be devised by extrapolating the principle of designed heminested PCR.
NPC1L1 haplotype is associated with inter-individual variation in plasma low-density lipoprotein response to ezetimibe
Authors: Hegele Robert A , Guy Justin , Ban Matthew R , Wang Jian 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackgroundNPC1L1encodes a putative intestinal sterol transporter which is the likely target for ezetimibe, a new type of lipid-lowering medication. We previously reported rare non-synonymous mutations inNPC1L1in an individual who had no plasma lipoprotein response to ezetimibe. We next hypothesized that common variants inNPC1L1would underlie less extreme inter-individual variations in the plasma LDL cholesterol response to ezetimibe.ResultsIn 101 dyslipidemic subjects, we found thatNPC1L1haplotype was significantly associated with inter-individual variation in the response of plasma LDL cholesterol to treatment with ezetimibe for 12 weeks. Specifically, about one subject in eight lacked the commonNPC1L1haplotype 1735C-25342A-27677T and these subjects had a significantly greater reduction in plasma LDL cholesterol with ezetimibe than subjects with at least one copy of this haplotype (-35.9+4.0 versus -23.6+1.6 percent reduction, P = 0.0054). This was paralleled by a similar non-significant trend of between-haplotype difference in reduction of total cholesterol.ConclusionThese preliminary pharmacogenetic results suggest thatNPC1L1variation is associated with inter-individual variation in response to ezetimibe treatment.
The fractal geometry of nutrient exchange surfaces does not provide an explanation for 3/4-power metabolic scaling
Authors: Painter Page R 
Published: August 2005

Abstract

Background
A prominent theoretical explanation for 3/4-power allometric scaling of metabolism proposes that the nutrient exchange surface of capillaries has properties of a space-filling fractal. The theory assumes that nutrient exchange surface area has a fractal dimension equal to or greater than 2 and less than or equal to 3 and that the volume filled by the exchange surface area has a fractal dimension equal to or greater than 3 and less than or equal to 4.

Results
It is shown that contradicting predictions can be derived from the assumptions of the model. When errors in the model are corrected, it is shown to predict that metabolic rate is proportional to body mass (proportional scaling).

Conclusion
The presence of space-filling fractal nutrient exchange surfaces does not provide a satisfactory explanation for 3/4-power metabolic rate scaling.
Improving survival rates of newborn infants in South Africa
Authors: Pattinson Robert , Woods David , Greenfield David , Velaphi Sithembiso 
Published: August 2005

Abstract

Background
The number, rates and causes of early neonatal deaths in South Africa were not known. Neither had modifiable factors associated with these deaths been previously documented. An audit of live born infants who died in the first week of life in the public service could help in planning strategies to reduce the early neonatal mortality rate.

Methods
The number of live born infants weighing 1000 g or more, the number of these infants who die in the first week of life, the primary and final causes of these deaths, and the modifiable factors associated with them were collected over four years from 102 sites in South Africa as part of the Perinatal Problem Identification Programme.

Results
The rate of death in the first week of life for infants weighing 1000 g or more was unacceptably high (8.7/1000), especially in rural areas (10.42/1000). Intrapartum hypoxia and preterm delivery are the main causes of death. Common modifiable factors included inadequate staffing and facilities, poor care in labour, poor neonatal resuscitation and basic care, and difficulties for patients in accessing health care.

Conclusion
Practical, affordable and effective steps can be taken to reduce the number of infants who die in the first week of life in South Africa. These could also be implemented in other under resourced countries.
Detection, quantification and genotyping of Herpes Simplex Virus in cervicovaginal secretions by real-time PCR: a cross sectional survey
Authors: Aryee Esther AN , Bailey Robin L , Natividad-Sancho Angels , Kaye Steve , Holland Martin J 
Published: August 2005

Abstract

Background
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Genital Ulcer Disease (GUD) is an important public health problem, whose interaction with HIV results in mutually enhancing epidemics. Conventional methods for detecting HSV tend to be slow and insensitive. We designed a rapid PCR-based assay to quantify and type HSV in cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) fluid of subjects attending a Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinic. Vaginal swabs, CVL fluid and venous blood were collected. Quantitative detection of HSV was conducted using real time PCR with HSV specific primers and SYBR Green I. Fluorogenic TaqMan Minor Groove Binder (MGB) probes designed around a single base mismatch in the HSV DNA polymerase I gene were used to type HSV in a separate reaction. The Kalon test was used to detect anti-HSV-2 IgG antibodies in serum. Testing for HIV, other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and related infections was based on standard clinical and laboratory methods.

Results
Seventy consecutive GUM clinic attendees were studied. Twenty-seven subjects (39%) had detectable HSV DNA in CVL fluid; HSV-2 alone was detected in 19 (70%) subjects, HSV-1 alone was detected in 4 (15%) subjects and both HSV types were detected in 4 (15%) subjects. Eleven out of 27 subjects (41%) with anti-HSV-2 IgG had detectable HSV-2 DNA in CVL fluid. Seven subjects (10%) were HIV-positive. Three of seven (43%) HIV-infected subjects and two of five subjects with GUD (40%) were secreting HSV-2. None of the subjects in whom HSV-1 was detected had GUD.

Conclusion
Quantitative real-time PCR and Taqman MGB probes specific for HSV-1 or -2 were used to develop an assay for quantification and typing of HSV. The majority of subjects in which HSV was detected had low levels of CVL fluid HSV, with no detectable HSV-2 antibodies and were asymptomatic.